Abuja Network News.
Enugu City was rocked yesterday as troops from the 82 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, launched a daring raid on the hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation, conducted in Imufu, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, led to the neutralization of two fighters and the recovery of several weapons.
During the intense encounter, the troops showcased their superior firepower, overpowering the irredentist fighters. As a result, three Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and a locally fabricated single barrel gun were seized.
In a separate incident, the troops, alongside the DSS, arrested a notorious ESN Commander known as Mr Ezege in Obinagu, Udi Local Government Area. This arrest came following the commander's recent threatening video and audio message, which had gone viral on social media platforms. Mr Ezege is now in custody, and further investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, in a proactive move targeting illegal firearms activities, troops from 130 Battalion, operating under the 13 Brigade Area of Responsibility, joined forces with the DSS to bust a notorious gunrunning syndicate operating in Obudu, Cross River State. The operation, based on credible intelligence, revealed the illicit activities of the gunrunners in the Obudu and Biaju general areas. The leader of the syndicate, along with two Nigerians and two Cameroonians, was apprehended in a sting operation at the Obudu motorcycle park.
Preliminary investigations uncovered the involvement of the syndicate in purchasing firearms and selling them to a middleman. This middleman then supplied the arms and ammunition to Ambazonian Separatists in the neighboring Republic of Cameroon. After further surveillance and intelligence gathering, the mastermind behind the operation, Raphael, alias Biajua, a Cameroonian national, was arrested in Biajua community, Boki Local Government Area. The troops also recovered four Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and four mobile phones.
As the Nigerian Army continues to enforce security measures, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies. He also reassures the law-abiding citizens of Southeast Nigeria that ongoing operations will be sustained to safeguard their daily activities and businesses.
This operation serves as a resounding blow against the IPOB/ESN network and the illegal gunrunning syndicate, further ensuring peace and stability in the region.
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