Troops of Operation Eastern Sanity have dismantled several camps belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network during a major security operation in Anambra State.
The military operation targeted Camp Gbadoanya located in Orsumoghu within Ihiala Local Government Area, where troops recovered various weapons, explosive making materials and secessionist items during raids conducted on March 3 and 4.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and supported by close air assistance from the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the Army, the coordinated operation is part of ongoing efforts to sustain aggressive clearance missions against armed groups in the region and restore peace and ility across affected communities.
Troops advanced into the camp and surrounding forest areas, identifying and destroying several hideouts used by members of the group. During the first phase of the operation, security forces recovered pump action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle components, belts of ammunition and cutting machines.
Other items recovered included materials used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices, Biafran currencies and musical instruments believed to belong to a Biafran Army band.
The troops also discovered a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag within the camp. According to the Army, the flags were destroyed while the Nigerian national flag was raised at the location after the camp was cleared.
Operations continued the following day as troops moved deeper into the Gbadoanya camp complex to destroy additional hideouts and operational bases used by the group.
One of the most significant discoveries during the second phase of the operation was a fully functional improvised explosive device fabrication facility. Military personnel carefully exploited the site before dismantling and destroying it.
Items recovered from the facility included welding machines, drilling machines, filling machines, car batteries and several locally fabricated guns along with other explosive device components.
The military said operations against IPOB and its armed wing have intensified in recent months in Anambra and surrounding areas. Security forces previously cleared militants from the Lilu Forest area and also conducted raids in nearby communities to disrupt the group’s operations.
The Federal Government of Nigeria officially proscribed the Indigenous People of Biafra in 2017 following rising separatist activities in the southeast region.
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