Eight individuals suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been killed by security operatives in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation, conducted by a joint security team comprising the police, military, and other agencies, took place on January 14, 2025, at 12:30 pm along Umugem Road in Ufuma.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, revealed that the operation was targeted at an armed group suspected of secessionist activities in the region.
He said the team neutralized five members of the armed group, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to address the challenges of armed groups in the South-East region.
The gallant troops who were on clearance operation to identify IPOB/ESN Ogunka Camp in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State said they came in contact with the irredentists on arrival at the camp.
“During the firefight, the irredentists attempted to flee through their escape route but were engaged by the blocking force neutralising five of the irredentists. Items recovered included two AK 47 rifle, one pump action gun, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and 12V/75 Amp battery used for detonating the IEDs,” a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Jonah Unuakhalu, stated.
Unuakhalu disclosed that the five arrested suspects, on reaching the Forward Operating Base (FOB) checkpoint decided to open the barricades to gain access to the base.
He added that the vigilant troops were able to stop them and on further search of the vehicle, one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, and nine mobile phones were recovered.
He stated that earlier on 8 January 2025, while troops were on routine patrol along Orsumoghu – Burrow Pit road in Anambra State, they came in contact with the irredentists, neutralising three.
“On further scan of the area, two IED cylinders about to be buried by the roadside by the irredentists were discovered. In the process of detonating the IED it exploded and one soldier paid the supreme price,” he said.
