Troops from Exercise Golden Dawn III conducted a raid on camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, the Eastern Security Network, situated in the Orsumoghu area of Anambra State.
The raid on IPOB and ESN camps in Anambra has broader implications for the region and the ongoing debate around self-determination movements. While security forces argue that such operations are necessary to maintain law and order, proponents of these groups often view them as oppressive acts that infringe upon their right to express their political and cultural aspirations.
The incident has sparked varied reactions from different quarters, with some commending the military’s efforts to curb insurgency and restore peace, while others express concerns over the potential escalation of tensions. It remains to be seen how these events will shape the narrative surrounding the IPOB and ESN movements and the government’s response to separatist sentiments in the region.
As detailed in a statement shared on the official Nigerian Army’s X handle on Tuesday, the operation was executed collaboratively with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, and local vigilante operatives.
It read, “During the raid operations, the gallant troops cleared and destroyed IPOB and ESN camps. One of the terrorists was naturalised while others escaped with gunshot wounds, and one pump-action rifle was recovered.”
The statement further read that during a patrol on Saturday, the troops dislodged the irredentists in Ihiala Local Government Area, dispossessing them of their weapons.
It read, “In the same vein, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, troops on patrol along the Orsumoghu-Ukpor road in Ihiala Local Government Area came into contact with the irredentist.
“However, due to superior firepower, the criminals were forced to abandon their location. Items recovered include 27 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, three locally made hand grenades, two handheld radios, one pair of NPF uniforms, and fragmented jackets and charms.”
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, enjoined members of the public to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information through Emergency Telephone Line 193 to enhance the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
