The Nigerian Army in a joint operations conducted with other security agencies have dislodged a notorious stronghold of the armed Wing of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) killing many in Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.
Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which soldiers said had been hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents.
A press statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations , Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the operation was conducted in the early hours of Monday January 17, 2022.
It said the operation led to the neutralization of some gunmen in the fire fight that ensued.
The statement said after dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 Pump Action Shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, One Revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machettes and IPOB flags.
Other items recovered, the statement continued, were mobile phones, laptops amongst other dangerous weapons.
It added:”It was a well coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were being perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups”.
