Vigilant troops dislodge IPOB/ESN notorious forest base in Anambra

Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that troops in a joint operations conducted with other security agencies  have dislodged a notorious stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operations, which was conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a fire fight that ensued.

“After dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 Pump Action Shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, One Revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machettes and IPOB flags. Other items recovered are mobile phones, laptops amongst other dangerous weapons”. A statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said.

The statement further said that operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.

It added that “it was a well -coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were been perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups”.

Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States. However, the Nigerian Army said “Lilu was hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents”.