A coordinated operation involving troops from Operation Udoka, along with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has led to the elimination of 20 IPOB/ESN terrorists during a raid on violent extremists in Mother Valley, Orsu LGA, Imo State.
Major Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Sunday, emphasizing that the operation successfully eliminated 50 IPOB/ESN hideout tents in the valley, including the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters, Command and Control Centre, and Military Council Headquarters.
Buba said, “troops also, cleared Buteuzor’s hideout/residence office, logistic base, temple and shrine.
“The hideouts was well concealed with foliage that affords the criminals cover from air surveillance in order to prevent monitoring and detection.
“The Valley had sufficient power supply for the camps. “the terrorists hibernating there, reared animals and also owned farms in order to be self-sustaining to live and fight. “During the operations, troops also encountered several command IEDs and ditches along the axis to the camp. “All were detonated and ditches covered with excavators before reaching the camp.
“The location is identified to be the supreme headquarters, command and control centre as well as the Military Council Headquarters of IPOB/ESN.
“During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists and following a firefight, troops neutralized 20 terrorists and recovered several quantities of assorted weapons. “These included G3 rifles, AK47 rifles, auto pump action guns, double barrel guns, locally made pistols and RPG bombs.
“Troops also recovered assorted ammunition which include 226 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 216 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 172 live cartridges, 4 AK47 magazines and 3 G3 magazines.
“Other items recovered include several quantities of IEDs (OGBUNIGWE), POS devices, baofeng radios, mobile phones, hand-held IEDs, CCTV cameras, inverters and batteries. “Additional items include Biafra flags amongst others.
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“Troops destroyed all camps, hideouts and shrines in the location. “The location was also littered with shallow graves indicative of Idol worshipping and ritual killings.
“The ritual killings at the camp account for the several cases of missing persons in the region.
“The recovered items are being processed and analysed for their intelligence value.
“Nevertheless, troops are sustaining the momentum and going in pursuit of the terrorist and their cohorts, dislodging them from their enclaves.”
