The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of Nigeria Army, Major General Taiwo Dada, has called on leaders, stakeholders and indigenes of Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State to return home and take possession of their communities, rescued by joint operation of the Nigerian security agencies.
The GOC made the call during his visit to the theatre of operation at Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, precisely at Ekeututu market, where he met with the joint troops of the Nigeria security forces to appreciate them for a job well done.
He also encouraged the troops to sustain the tempo until the entire area was rid of the presence of bandits, miscreants and misguided elements.
The GOC was accompanied by the Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier-General Usman Lawal and representatives of leaders of other security agencies in the state.
He said, “Recall the commencement of the Joint Task Force South-East Operation that started on February 11, 2024, the combined JTF troops of Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force as well as that of Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Security and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps had cleared and liberated Orsu, Ekeututu, Tango One Orsumoghu, Ihiteukwa, Ihitenansa and Lilu, over the last three weeks.
“In continuation of the sustained operations, the JTF OPUK troops had on March 7, 2024 cleared and destroyed the notorious supreme headquarters of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network.
“The headquarters that serves as the last IBOB/ESN stronghold is located in the mother valley and span Orsu and Ihiala local government areas of Imo and Anambra State respectively.
“It is about 5,000 feet below sea level. The well concealed and forested location affords the terrorist good cover from air surveillance. It is also serves as their general and control centre military council headquarters.”
The GOC informed the troops that he was mandated by the Chief of Army Staff to appreciate them and amend the situation on ground, as well as strategize for further operation.