Sustained military operations in the South-East have reportedly forced some members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to surrender weapons, according to military authorities.
A military operational report said troops under Operation UDO KA intensified offensive operations in the Ohaji-Egbema and Orsumoghu areas, resulting in the recovery of several firearms and ammunition. The recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, magazines, 99 rounds of ammunition, locally made guns and an improvised explosive device.
The report said a militant leader identified as “Comedy” disclosed to the Imo State Amnesty Committee the location of weapons he had buried. A recovery team subsequently exhumed the weapons and handed them over to troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade.
The military also reported the recovery of two general-purpose machine guns, 45 rounds of ammunition and an IED following a follow-up operation in Anambra. Authorities said some other IPOB/ESN elements were seeking channels to surrender their weapons as troops maintained pressure across the region.
The military said all recovered weapons and ammunition were in its custody for further action, while operations continued. It added that the development could encourage more armed elements to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons.
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