Troops of the Nigerian Army have stormed a suspected criminal camp linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a daring riverine operation in Anambra State, recovering firearms, ammunition and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The operation was conducted in Abator, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, October 1.
Security sources said the raid followed the rescue of three persons abducted in the Osakwa general area of Ihiala Local Government Area, an incident that triggered a joint security response.
According to the sources, troops of the 185 Battalion, working alongside local security volunteers, launched a follow-up operation at about 5:30 a.m. and arrested a suspected member of the kidnapping syndicate identified as Sunday Obi.
A security source who was part of the operation said the troops had to cross treacherous waters to access the difficult forest terrain where the camp was located.
“The criminals thought the river would protect them, but our troops crossed the water and stormed the camp in a highly daring operation,” the source said.
Another source said the suspect, Obi, provided useful information that led troops to the hideout in Abator.
“Following the arrest of Sunday Obi, we acted swiftly on credible intelligence. The camp was thoroughly searched and we recovered a cache of arms and IED-making materials,” the source added.
Items recovered from the camp include firearms, ammunition and materials suspected to be used for the production of improvised explosive devices.
A military source said the operation had disrupted the activities of the criminal syndicate in the area.
“This operation has dealt a significant blow to the kidnapping and criminal network operating between Ihiala and Ogbaru. We will not relent until the entire area is sanitized,” the source said.
The Army said further operations were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, while the arrested suspect is in custody for further investigation.
