In a recent press release from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed the latest developments in the ongoing military operations against violent extremists in the South East Zone.
On March 7, 2024, the combined troops of Operation UDO KA, along with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, conducted a raid and clearance operation in Mother Valley, Orsu LGA of Imo State.
The target was the IPOB/ESN violent extremists/terrorists. The operation resulted in the clearance of approximately 50 hideout tents, including the Supreme Headquarters and the Command and Control Centre of the terrorists.
Troops also dismantled Buteuzor’s hideout/residence office, logistic base, temple, and shrine, which were well concealed with foliage to evade air surveillance.
The valley provided sufficient resources for the terrorists to sustain themselves, including power supply, animal rearing, and farming activities.
During the operation, troops encountered numerous command IEDs and ditches strategically placed along the axis to the camp.
However, all were successfully neutralized before reaching the camp, which was identified as the supreme headquarters and command centre of IPOB/ESN.
A firefight ensued during which troops neutralized 20 terrorists and recovered a substantial quantity of assorted weapons, including rifles, guns, pistols, and RPG bombs.
Additionally, assorted ammunition, magazines, IEDs, communication devices, and other items were seized from the insurgents.
Furthermore, troops discovered shallow graves at the location, indicating instances of idol worshiping and ritual killings, which may be linked to numerous cases of missing persons in the region.
The recovered items are undergoing processing and analysis for their intelligence value.
Despite these successes, Major General Edward Buba emphasized that the military is sustaining momentum and actively pursuing the terrorists and their collaborators, dislodging them from their enclaves.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the populace in South East and beyond.
LV.