Military Action Forces IPOB Fighters to Give Up Their Weapons

Sustained military actions have made some members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), start giving up their weapons in the South-East. This information comes from a military report shared with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

The report says that ongoing military operations and pressure from Operation UDO KA in Ohaji-Egbema and Orsumoghu areas have led some fighters to surrender. This situation has resulted in the recovery of three rifles, six magazines, 99 rounds of ammunition, four homemade guns, and one improvised explosive device (IED).

It mentioned that a militant leader known as “Comedy” voluntarily told the Imo State Amnesty Committee where he buried his weapons after the troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade kept pressing hard. A team from the committee dug up the weapons and handed them over to the brigade.

The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four homemade guns. The military believes that this could make other militant groups give up their illegal weapons as well.

The report added that other IPOB and ESN members are looking for safe ways to turn in their weapons. This comes as troops continue to apply pressure and keep an eye on their movements.

In addition, troops from Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, carried out a follow-up operation after a viral video by the Anambra Vigilante Group showed the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs). This operation led to the recovery of two GPMGs, 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition, and one improvised explosive device.

According to the report, all recovered weapons and ammunition are now in military custody for further actions. Operations are still ongoing across the South-East.