An offensive operation against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group Eastern Security Network led by the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the crushing and neutralisation of key figures within the secessionist group.
According to Zagazola Makama on his X handle formerly Twitter on Tuesday, the coordinated operation started on the 29th of June with the collaboration of the Nigeria Police, Special forces and local tactical formations.
He said the operation was made possible after the confession of two captured ESN commanders namely Uchenna Opara, popularly known as Ntanta Miri, and Ozioma Ihedoro, better known as OZ, both natives of the Umuaka community in Njaba LGA.
He said: “Acting on actionable intelligence, the joint team raided and obliterated several terrorist enclaves, including Umuele Umuaka, Ezioha, and Ugbele Umuaka, known safe havens of the separatist group.
“A fierce gun battle ensued as operatives stormed the camps. Three ESN fighters were neutralised during the confrontation, while others reportedly escaped with bullet wounds. Their bodies were later recovered along the Ugbele Umuaka axis.
“What followed was a methodical clearance operation targeting the B44 camp cluster, long considered one of ESN’s strategic base networks. The camps, codenamed B44 Tangle 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9, were all successfully dislodged by the joint force.
“A caterpillar operator working with the team was tragically killed in the line of duty when the group came under sudden fire while approaching the B44 main camp. He was rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, but later confirmed dead by a medical officer on duty.
“Items recovered from the operation included: One AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of live ammunition, pump-action shotgun, two locally made IEDs, one human skull and a Biafran flag.”
Furthermore, two individuals suspected of being members of the ESN were apprehended during the search of adjacent bush paths. The pair, Emeka Ogene Sabinus from Ezi Isu in Isu LGA and Nnabuike Emmanuel from Ohofia Oduma in Aninri LGA, Enugu State, were reported to have tribal markings linked to the banned militia.
The disbandment of the B44 cluster was a crucial development in the counterinsurgency efforts in the South-East, where small groups of armed resistance have increasingly threatened the safety of residents, security forces, and national resources.
“The terrain presents challenges, but our operatives remain undeterred,” stated a senior official involved in the operation.
“We are focusing on key leadership figures, supply routes, and safe locations.”
In the meantime, initiatives are underway to capture the fleeing members of the group, with mop-up operations continuing in the surrounding forest areas of Orlu, Njaba, and Isu corridors.