Nigerian Troops Reopen Road, Destroy Alleged IPOB Bomb Factory In Imo

Troops operating under 34 Artillery Brigade have reopened the Lilu–Eketutu Road, between the boundaries of Anambra and Imo States, which had been closed for three years due to the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The troops, in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, also destroyed an IPOB Eastern Security Network (ESN) bomb factory in Imo State.

This information is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu by Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army.

Ayeni noted that the operations, conducted in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa areas, were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by criminal elements.

He said the operations were also intended to facilitate the safe return of residents who had been forced to abandon their homes due to the activities of the proscribed IPOB and its armed affiliate, ESN.

According to him, on 6th March, troops operating under 34 Artillery Brigade conducted a joint clearance operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area of Imo State.

“The road, a strategic route serving as a lifeline for surrounding communities, enabling the flow of people, goods, and services, had been abandoned for over three years. This was due to persistent threats and attacks by IPOB/ESN militants.

“During the operations, troops discovered IEDs at various points along the road. These were successfully disconnected and safely recovered by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential casualties and restoring access to the route,” he said.

Ayeni said that in a related operation, on 11th March, troops conducted a clearance operation in the Orsu–Ihiteukwa area, clearing suspected IED locations along key routes to enhance security and enable displaced inhabitants to return safely to their homes.

He said, “During the operation, several IEDs were detonated along the route of advance. Despite these explosions, troops maintained momentum and discovered an IPOB/ESN IED-making factory within the area.

“The facility was thoroughly searched, leading to the recovery of several items, including Biafran flags and insignia, numerous rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and pipes used for priming IEDs.

“Other items recovered included pistol magazines containing ammunition, double-barrelled guns, CCTV cameras, and multiple clips and electrical wires suspected to have been used in the fabrication of explosive devices.”

The army spokesman said that, additionally, EOD teams discovered many other IEDs concealed within the area, which were carefully disconnected, recovered, and safely destroyed.

He said that the Nigerian Army remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security across Imo and Anambra States, and throughout the South East.

“Members of the public are requested to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace.

“Operation UDO KA is committed to protecting law-abiding citizens, securing lives and property, and completely reinforcing regional stability,” he said.