From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Troops of the Joint Task Force Southeast, code-named “Operation Udo Ka,” have neutralised eight and apprehended five gunmen operating under the guise of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra and Enugu states.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Enugu on Wednesday by the spokesman of Operation Udo Ka, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu.
According to Unuakhalu, the Force Commander of Operation Udo Ka, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, urged well-meaning citizens to continue supporting the troops by providing timely, reliable, and credible information to ensure peace in the South-East.
He said: “Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.
“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line—193—and pressing Option 2 to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA.
“The Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practices as laid down in the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding its operations.”
On operational successes, Unuakhalu revealed that troops of Sector 5 of Operation Udo Ka on January 15 dealt decisively with IPOB and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State.
“The gallant troops, on a clearance operation at the identified IPOB/ESN Ogunka Camp in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, encountered the irredentists upon arrival at the camp.
“During the firefight, the irredentists attempted to flee through their escape route but were engaged by the blocking force, neutralising five of them.
“Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a 12V/75 amp battery used for detonating the IEDs,” he said.
The Army spokesman added that on January 13, troops of the sector deployed at Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra, apprehended five suspected IPOB/ESN members.
He noted that the suspects were arrested while driving a black Ford Edge with registration number Abuja ABC 535 AE along Ogboji-Aguluzenechikwu Road in Aguata LGA.
“The suspects, on reaching the Forward Operating Base (FOB) checkpoint, attempted to open the barricades to gain access into the base. However, vigilant troops were able to stop them.
“Upon further search of the vehicle, the troops recovered one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, and nine mobile phones,” he said.
Unuakhalu also disclosed that on January 8, troops on routine patrol along Orsumoghu-Burrow Pit Road in Anambra encountered irredentists, neutralising three.
“During a further scan of the area, two IED cylinders about to be buried by the roadside by the irredentists were discovered. In the process of detonating the IED, it exploded, and one soldier paid the supreme price,” he said.
Unuakhalu further stated that troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call about the kidnapping of passengers travelling along Igbo-Eze Local Government Area in Enugu State and the boundary between Enugu and Kogi states.
“The combined troops comprising the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies moved swiftly into action and pursued the kidnappers through their escape route.
“The troops forced them to release all the kidnapped passengers in batches, with the last two victims released yesterday. Efforts are still ongoing to locate the kidnappers’ den,” he said.