Army forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully neutralized an IED specialist affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsu-Ihitteukwa, Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State.
The combined forces, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, conducted a clearance operation in the areas of Udaah, Identa Ihitteukwa, and Awo Idemili within Orsu LGA, Imo State.
During the operation, the forces engaged with insurgents who fired upon them, threw hand-held IEDs, and fired locally manufactured rockets (Ogbunigwe) at the advancing troops.
As reported by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, the troops encountered multiple IEDs triggered by the insurgents as they retreated chaotically. The forces neutralized one insurgent in the act of connecting an explosive device to its power source.
The operation led to the recovery of homemade rocket launchers, disarmed IEDs, pipes, wires, and other components used in making explosives.
Additionally, the forces filled in several trenches that had been used to disrupt the road network connecting local communities by ESN operatives.
Major General Nwachukwu affirmed that the Nigerian Army is committed to continuing its operations to prevent separatist groups from acting freely.