Troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) 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.

Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents.

A statement released by Brig. General Onyeama Nwachuku, the director of Army Public Relations, states that the operations, which were conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a firefight 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.”the statement read in part

He added that the 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. He mentioned 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.

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