In response to their “criminal” actions in the South East region, Nigerian joint military operatives have cleared IPOB/ESN camps and executed no less than 13 commanders of the illegal Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This information was provided to reporters by Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Thursday in Abuja.
Danmadami added that the military, working with other security authorities, had kept an eye on the illegal groups’ actions because they were making life in the zone intolerable for locals. He declared, “Within the first week, forces neutralized 13 offenders from the IPOB/ESN and detained six, including their herbalist.
“Troops also recovered eight AK-47 firearms, seven pump-action rifles, three locally built handguns, one sniper rifle, fifteen 7.62mm special rounds, thirteen 7.62mm NATO rounds, eight 9mm rounds, and five cartridges.”
Three pairs of combat boots, two sets of camouflage outfits, and two jungle helmets made of the same material were also found.
Two CCTV cameras, an INEC image-capture device, an INEC box, two walkie-talkies, a transistor radio, three solar panels, motorcycles, and other vehicles are among the other items that have been found.
“All detained criminals and found property were delivered to the proper authority for further action.”
The military officer continued by saying that 44 illicit refinery installations have been demolished in the Niger Delta due to ongoing oil theft in the area by Operation Delta Safe personnel.
He added that during land, sea, and aerial operations in the Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, troops also detained 29 suspected oil thieves in creeks, villages, communities, waterways, cities, and towns.
He claimed that 32 wooden boats, 73 storage tanks, 129 cooking ovens, and 40 dugout pits were found and destroyed throughout Operation “Octopus Grip.”
114,500 litres of AGO that had been illegally refined, 1,000 litres of PMS, 40 automobiles, three motorcycles, three generators, and five pumping devices were also found, he continued.
Additionally, 29 criminals were detained by the troops, and 104 rounds of special 7.62mm ammunition were found. Notably, on November 7, air interdiction was carried out at Abacheke, a known illegal refining location where significant human activity was confirmed.
He added that as a result, “the target was engaged and destroyed while an air strike caused an inferno that lasted for about 24 hours.”
