AfriPulse
Troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, have destroyed a suspected ritual shrine and recovered improvised explosive devices during an operation in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Naija News reports that the Nigerian Army said the operation targeted alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on May 6 in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports on alleged terrorist collaborators in the community.
The Army said troops on an intelligence-led patrol came under attack from gunmen operating from a building allegedly used as a hideout by IPOB and ESN members.
It said three soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.
The statement read, “While troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.
“Despite the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area.”
IEDs Detonate During Operation
The Army said improvised explosive devices allegedly stored in the building detonated during the gun battle, causing a fire that destroyed the structure.
It added, “During the exchange of fire, improvised explosive devices stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout.”
According to the military, troops later recovered additional IEDs, improvised hand grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities during a search of the area.
The Army said the shrine was thoroughly searched and destroyed to prevent further criminal use.
One suspected collaborator was also arrested during the operation. The suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.
The military urged residents of the community to remain calm and avoid harbouring criminal elements.
It also warned members and sympathisers of IPOB and ESN to desist from illegal activities or face the consequences.
The statement added, “Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action.”
Meanwhile, videos circulated online showed several houses engulfed in flames. Some residents claimed that at least seven compounds and about 10 houses were destroyed during the incident.
In one of the videos, residents alleged that an elderly, sick woman was trapped inside one of the burning buildings.
Source: Naijanews.com | Read the Full Story…
