The Nigerian Army said it has neutralised seven criminals, arrested 25, and rescued eight kidnapped civilians in Nigeria’s southeast region.
In a recent statement by Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations, obtained by Newsbreak.ng, the Army said the feat was achieved between December 1 and 22 2022.
“Troops and other security agencies in the South East zone of the Country have sustained the aggressive posture in the fight against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to the region,” Nwachukwu said.
“Accordingly, operational activities were conducted in villages, forests, communities in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo State respectively. Between 11 and 12 December 2022, troops in conjunction with other security services raided identified Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ugwulangu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“Following the operation, 4 suspected criminals were arrested, the combine team also recovered 16 motorcycles, 4 generating sets, 4 gas cylinders, television sets, and 5 mobile phones among other items.
“Also on 12 December 2022, the combined team of security agencies raided another Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals camp at Agu Egedegede forest of Obeagu community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, during the operation, troops arrested 10 criminals, destroyed their camp as well recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 2 dane guns, 1 motorcycle, 2 cartridges, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 woodland camouflage and 1 desert camouflage uniforms among other items.”
It added: “Equally, troops responded to a distress call on the attack of the Independence National Electorate Commission (INEC) office at Owerri metropolis in Imo State by the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals on 12 December 2022.
“Following the engagement by troops 3 criminals were neutralised, while 3 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, petrol bombs, some explosives, and 4 vehicles among other items were recovered.
“Troops also came in contact with suspected criminals while on fighting patrols to a suspected criminal hideout at Iyonu forest in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, during the encounter, troops neutralized one of their kingpins who was on the wanted list of security agents as well arrested one suspect while other fled.
“Troops also recovered one pump action gun, 4 cartridges, one locally made pistol, one camouflage uniform, 2 mobile phones and other sundry items.
“Troops also responded to Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals activities along Nkalagu-Railway Junction and made contact with the criminals, during the encounter troops neutralized 1 criminal and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special and mobile phones among other items.
“Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 8 pump action guns, 3 locally made pistols, 3 dane guns, several locally fabricated hand grenades with leg cuffs and chains, 5 cartridges, petrol bombs, 3 smoke grenade launchers, some explosives, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 pairs of woodland camouflage and 2 pair of desert camouflage.
“Other items recovered are 10 vehicles, 18 motorcycles, 13 generating sets, 4 gas cylinders, 8 mobile phones, television sets and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralized 7 criminals, arrested 25 criminals and rescued 8 kidnapped civilians.
“All recovered items, rescued civilians and apprehended criminals have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”
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