Troops of the 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Joint Task Force South-East, operating under the code name “Operation UDO KA,” have dismantled camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), in the South-East region.
In just a few days, the troops neutralized four armed IPOB/ESN members, rescued 14 individuals, and conducted operations against crude oil bunkering within the area.
This information was released in a statement by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of the 82 Division Army Public Relations, on Wednesday in Enugu.
Unuakhalu emphasized that the forces of the 82 Division and Operation UDO KA have maintained their aggressive stance against the IPOB/ESN criminals throughout the South-East.
He detailed that in a series of meticulously planned operations, the troops effectively repelled and raided the separatist hideouts while cracking down on illegal oil bunkering activities within the joint Operation Area.
According to him, in the early hours of Tuesday, October 22, troops from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, stationed at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Aguata, encountered IPOB/ESN members during a routine patrol in the Igbo Ukwu and Uga regions of Aguata council area in Anambra.
“During the firefight, the troops’ superior firepower compelled the criminals to flee in disarray. In the process, one IPOB/ESN member was neutralized, and two unregistered black Lexus SUVs along with one pump-action gun and three cartridges were seized,” he reported.
On Monday, October 21, troops deployed at FOB Lilu also engaged the terrorist group after detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the supply route.
“The troops successfully neutralized two terrorists and recovered one pump-action shotgun, one solar-powered CCTV camera, three large pipe-borne IEDs, seven additional IEDs, and eight batteries,” he added.
Unuakhalu mentioned that on Wednesday, October 9, troops of the Joint Task Force raided an IPOB/ESN hideout in the Enugwu Umuonyia community of Aguata council area.
Overwhelmed during the firefight, the terrorists fled, abandoning a significant cache of arms and supplies.
“The troops conducted a swift search, dismantling the hideout and recovering 78 rounds of 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, 20 live cartridges, a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-56 magazine, and six vehicles that had been stolen from law-abiding Igbo citizens,” he noted.
In a similar operation on October 10, troops of the 82 Division executed an ambush in Lilu community, designed to curtail the activities of the irredentist group.
“During this ambush, one IPOB/ESN member was neutralized, and the troops recovered a handheld radio, four improvised grenades, one encased IED, and one solar-powered CCTV camera.”
On October 11, troops stationed at FOB Aguata successfully repelled an IPOB/ESN attack, neutralizing another member and seizing an arsenal that included two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 cartridges, and one Prado Jeep.
In subsequent encounters in Ohafia LGA of Abia State and Umu-Abor Lilu in Anambra State, troops recovered additional items, including a solar-powered CCTV camera, one water gel IED, six live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammunition, two batteries, four IED pipes, and one radio set.
“Despite their claims of fighting for liberation, IPOB/ESN criminals have continued to kidnap innocent South Easterners for ransom and exploit their possessions, particularly SUVs,” he stated.
He highlighted that the JTF Operation UDO KA has also executed numerous rescue missions, including a successful operation on Sunday, October 6, where troops rescued an expatriate and three employees of DATUM Construction Company.
He further disclosed, “On Thursday, October 10, ten sports journalists, who had been kidnapped while en route to Uyo, were rescued. During the rescue operation, troops apprehended one suspected kidnapper and recovered three SUVs.”
These rescue operations were conducted across various locations, including Ajalli-Ugbuntra in Orumba South LGA, Ebonyi State, Aguleri/Amarulu village in Ihiala, Anambra State, Orlu LGA in Imo State, and Umuahia North LGA in Abia State.
In related efforts, troops continued their anti-bunkering operations on October 15, destroying five illegal oil refinery sites.
Unuakhalu noted that other items destroyed included 15 distilling pots, 19 iron pipes, two pumping machines, two wheelbarrows, five flashlights, four valves, one generator set, and one storage tank.
The gallant troops also arrested five suspected illegal oil bunkers and set ablaze 75,000 liters of stolen crude oil.
The spokesperson highlighted that various operations were carried out around Owaza and Isimiri in the Ukwa West and East council areas of Abia, as well as the Umuayata farmland along the Akiri axis in Oguta council area of Imo.
“The Division and the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA commend the unwavering support and vigilance of law-abiding citizens.
“These operations reflect our troops’ commitment to effectively degrade and dismantle the capabilities of irredentists and their collaborators.
“The Joint Task Force urges the public to continue supporting our efforts by providing timely, reliable, and credible information to help curb the issues afflicting the South-East. Citizens can reach us through our toll-free number 193 and by selecting Option 2.
“The Division remains steadfast in its mission to secure and protect the entire South-East. We encourage the good people of the region to go about their legitimate activities without fear of intimidation,” he added.
