Troops Raid ESN Hideout, Recover Weapons

• Operation Udoka sees Nigerian troops raid ESN hideouts in the South East region of Nigeria.

• In a recent raid of Ihiala, a cache of arms was recovered from the proscribed group.

• Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, revealed troops also raided suspected ESN terrorists’ camps in Nkanu East Local Government Area and 9th Mile area in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that troops of Operation ‘Udoka’ have continued their efforts to rid the South East region of Nigeria of militants belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In a recent operation, the troops raided a hideout of the proscribed group in Ihiala and seized a cache of arms and ammunition. One militant was killed, and another was arrested.

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According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, troops also raided suspected ESN terrorists’ camps in Nkanu East Local Government Area and 9th Mile area in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a fierce firefight, one terrorist was neutralized, and seven others were arrested. Troops destroyed their makeshift camps and recovered several items, including CCTV cameras, motorcycles, radios, and military jungle hats.

Troops also continued their fight against economic sabotage and oil theft in the region. During the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 156 cooking ovens, 189 storage tanks, 12 dugout pits, and 15 wooden boats.

They also recovered several stolen items, including six vehicles, 1 tricycle, 1,060,000 litres of crude oil, 13,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 8,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Eighteen suspected economic saboteurs were arrested, and the sum of N286,277,650.00 was denied to the oil thefts.

On 25 April 2023, troops responded to a distress call about suspected cultists’ activities on Iyara road in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The troops mobilized to the location and arrested five suspected cultists who were in a fight with members of a vigilante group.

The troops also recovered weapons, including two pistols, two knives, two machetes, and one motorcycle. Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols to Sansan and Monikiri camps in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State and made contact with pirates who fled on sighting troops.

Troops destroyed their camp and recovered six speed boats with one 90 HP engine and five by 40 HP engines, as well as seven generators, five pumping machines, and seven radios.

All recovered items, including arms, ammunition, and stolen goods, as well as apprehended suspects, have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

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The success of these operations is a testament to the Nigerian military’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the South East region.

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