Ongoing special operations in the Southeast are not to occupy the zone as being insinuated in some quarters, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.
It explained that the deployment of troops was not in the Southeast alone, but across all troubled parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, spoke in Abuja while providing updates on three major military operations.
The Army spokesman noted that “these exercises cover 20 states and the FCT.
“Contrary to this insinuation, the deployment of troops of the Nigerian Army is not only in the Southeast, but also in the troubled parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast where troops are conducting major operations to tackle more threatening national security challenges.
“As you are aware, on 4 October 2021, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya flagged off exercises STILL WATERS, ENDURING PEACE and GOLDEN DAWN in the Southsouth, Southwest, Northcentral and Southeast zones respectively.
“On the whole, these exercises cover 20 states and the FCT. Furthermore, these exercises are traditionally scheduled to hold in the last quarter of the year to checkmate all forms of crimes as the yuletide season approaches.
“As it stands today, troops have maintained an offensive posture, conducting several kinetic operations in the forms of raids on criminal hideouts and patrols amongst others. So, far, all the exercises have recorded significant successes.”
Highlighting the successes of the various operations, Nwachukwu, said: “On 6 October 2021, troops of 81 Division apprehended 17 suspected drug users and recovered a large volume of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa. All suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further prosecution.
“Similarly, troops of 6 Division apprehended three suspected metal vandals along Oku – Iboku – Mbak Road in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were duly handed over to relevant authorities for further action.
“Furthermore, still within 6 Division area of responsibility, troops, in conjunction with personnel of sister security agencies, conducted an aggressive night patrol to Amousa general area in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State.
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“Troops stormed the site following credible information on the activities of bunkerers in the vicinity. A total of three dumps with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were subsequently destroyed insitu.”
He said this was followed by another raid operation on 7 October 2021 within Opromor-Peretoror in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State, which destroyed 5 bunkering camps, 16 cooking ovens and 21 reservoirs.
He added: “On 9 October 2021, troops of 2 Division deployed for Ex STILL WATER arrested 6 suspected bandits’ logistics suppliers during a stop-and-search operation following actionable intelligence reports on the movement of logistics supplies for bandits in Kaiama Forest, Borgu LGA of Kwara State. The suspects were arrested with 160 gallons which the suspects confessed were used in conveying fuel to bandits. The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation.”
On Exercise Golden Dawn, he disclosed, he explained an incident that occurred at Izombe.
The spokesman said: “Following the recent unfortunate incident in Izombe Community of Oguta LGA of Imo state which was characterized by arson and wanton destruction of properties by members of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), it has become pertinent to state the facts of the matter and set the records straight for the benefit of the general public.
“At about 9 am on Friday 8 October 2021, troops of Ex GOLDEN DAWN Sector B received a distress call regarding the criminal activities of one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among the escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre on of 5 April 2021. Iherue was armed with a pistol and was threatening, intimidating and inciting persons in the Izombe community to support the proscribed IPOB terrorist group.”
According to him, Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on 14 May 2021, “during which four of his gang members were neutralised. Similarly, he masterminded the attack on the same Police Divisional Headquarters on 13 Aug 2021 where 3 policemen paid the supreme price.”
He said again on the 1st October 2021, Iherue and his gang members were seen parading Izombe Community, flying the Biafra insignia while threatening and instilling fear in the people, thereby creating tension in the community.”
Nwachukwu added: “When troops attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons. Since then, troops have kept a close watch and have been on his trail. On receipt of the distress call, troops deployed to the scene and attempted to apprehend the suspect.
“The criminal was neutralised as he engaged the troops with fire from his pistol in a frantic attempt to escape. Youths in the community then mobilised a large number of suspected IPOB members armed with automatic weapons and bearing IPOB insignia. The group opened fire on our troops, killing two soldiers in the process.”