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Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA), in a joint operation conducted with other security agencies, have dislodged a notorious stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Lilu Forest in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was hitherto known to be used as an operational base by the dissidents.
The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Monday, January 17 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a fire fight that ensued.
After dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 pump action shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, one revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machettes, and IPOB flags. Other items recovered are mobile phones, laptops, and other dangerous weapons.
The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, the Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police. It was a well-coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were being perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups.
Brigadier General OnyEMA NWACHUKWU, Army Public Relations
Photo: A cross-section of the items recovered from the suspected IPOB/ESN members by the troops on Monday.
