By Daniel Edu
The Nigerian Army has successfully raided and dismantled a substantial weapons and drone manufacturing facility believed to be operated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation took place in Onicha Olona, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, revealed the details in a press release on Tuesday, March 14th. The discovery came as a result of an intelligence-led operation targeting the alleged illicit activities of IPOB/ESN members in the region.
According to the statement, the combatants were utilizing the facility to conduct criminal operations, creating fear among nearby communities and innocent civilians. The troops encountered stiff resistance during the operation but ultimately overpowered the armed fighters in a fierce firefight.
The military personnel neutralized two of the fighters and seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Among the items recovered were various IPOB/ESN firearms, ammunition, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and a drone manufacturing facility.
The security operatives also confiscated weapons of different types, drones in various stages of completion, prototype models, materials for Improvised Explosive Devices, a fully equipped workshop, and multiple power generators. In addition to these findings, four male and two female combatants were captured during the operation.
Major General Nwachukwu emphasized the troops’ steadfast commitment to dismantling terrorist and insurgent groups operating within the nation’s borders.
