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Tag: IPOB

  • Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    • Jos prison jailbreak escapee held

    Troops of Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA II, at the weekend, in conjunction with the Department of State Security (DSS), Enugu State Command, conducted a raid on the camps of suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network, at Ugbakwa community in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State. 

    During the raid held last Friday, troops apprehended Mr. Chimezie Chukwu a.k.a. Biggi, who escaped during the Jos prison jailbreak.

    Read Also: Troops raid more IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    A statement issued yesterday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, for the Joint Task Force 

    Operation UDO KA II, said Biggi was also known to be a drug peddler, a gunrunner and equally specialised in armed robbery.

  • Troops raid more IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    Troops raid more IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    Troops of  Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force Southeast Operation UDO KA II on last weekend in conjunction with the Department of State Security Enugu State Command conducted a raid operation to the camps of the suspected Indigenous People of Biafra and it’s armed affiliates the Eastern Security Network in Ugbakwa community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. 

    During the raid operations, which took place on Friday, troops apprehended one Mr Chimezie Chukwu AKA Biggi, who is escaped from the Jos Prison Break.

    According to a statement issued Sunday by the deputy director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, for Joint Task Force 

    Operation UDO KA II, Biggi was also known to be a drug peddler, gunrunner and also specialized in armed robbery, 

    “Items recovered from him include, six mobile phones, three mobile phones batteries, one Moniepoint POS and ATM card, two packs of substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of One Hundred and Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Naira only. Suspect and recovered items are in custody of the DSS for further investigation”, Unuakhalu said.

    He added that, troops of Sector 4 deployed at Forward Operational Base in Okigwe, Imo State while on checkpoint duties spotted an identified IPOB/ESN member on a motorcycle. 

    The statement said: “When ordered by the troops to halt and alight from the motorcycle, he took to his heels in order to escape arrest. 

    Read Also: IPOB threat: Banks, govt offices open for business in Umuahia

    “All efforts to stop him proved abortive forcing the troops to open fire and neutralized the suspect. Items recovered from him are, two live rounds of 7.62mm Special, One ITEL Mobile phone, One small bag containing charms, the sum of Two thousand three hundred naira only and One Qlink motorcycle”. 

    It continued that, troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA II acting on credible intelligence also conducted a raid operations to suspected IPOB/ESN camps at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.  

    It disclosed that on arrival, the camp was already abandoned by the group. 

    “However, troops recovered three abandoned Sport Utility Vehicles which are Two Toyota Highlander and One Mercedes Benz ML 350 efforts ongoing to identify the owners of the vehicles.

    “Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II therefore, call on the law abiding and good citizens of the South-East region not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable Information that will assist in ending this menace in the region”, Unuakhalu added.

    He insisted that operation UDO KA II would continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.

  • IPOB threat: Banks, govt offices open for business in Umuahia

    IPOB threat: Banks, govt offices open for business in Umuahia

    • Markets, churches suspend activities

    Commercial banks in Umuahia, Abia State capital, yesterday opened for business at their branches.

    Government workers living in Umuahia also reported for work, apart from their colleagues living outside the state capital, who stayed at home as a precautionary measure, to avoid being caught up in the web of an anticipated fallout from the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    In a video that circulated across social media platforms last weekend, a faceless man believed to be a member of the splinter IPOB group, issued threats to Aba residents for failing to adhere to the IPOB sit-at-home order over some period of time.

    The man, who in the video warned that the group would be passing through Aba today (Monday) after they got reports that Aba people no longer complied with IPOB order, warned that anyone caught by his group would have himself or herself to blame.

    Our correspondent reports that the video, which formed most of the discussions in Aba, the state at large and Southeast, forced so many churches who now use Mondays for their religious programmes to cancel the programmes.

    A member of a popular church in Aba, Mrs. Charity Emeruwa, told our correspondent that their pastor, to the disappointment of the church, suspended their Monday and Tuesday services indefinitely, following the tension generated by the video that trended at the weekend.

    Read Also: IPOB: Banks, govt offices resume business operations in Umuahia

    Apart from churches, other sections of the state’s economy, including markets, major and roadsides, schools and banks closed for businesses.

    While some transport companies shut down operation, others were seen running skeletal services, as the Aba Central Motor Park was closed for business.

    Some visitors to the commercial city that missed travelling on Sunday and could not afford paying for hotel accommodation were seen hanging around some of the motor parks, waiting to board vehicles to their locations.

    Sources from Obohia, Overrail and a few other places told our correspondent that some persons, who claimed to be IPOB enforcers, went after those that opened their shops and businesses yesterday morning, as they took advantage of the deplorable nature of the road to the area.

    Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka could not be reached at press time, but sources within the circles of security agencies in the state said they were aware of the video.

  • IPOB: Banks, govt offices resume business operations in Umuahia

    IPOB: Banks, govt offices resume business operations in Umuahia

    Commercial banks across Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Monday, October 16, resumed business operations in their respective branches within the city.

    Government employees residing in Umuahia also attended their workplaces, while those residing outside the state capital opted to stay home as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential disruptions associated with the anticipated effects of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order.

    In a video that circulated across various social media platforms at the weekend, a faceless man believed to be a member of the splinter IPOB group issued a series of threats to Aba residents for failing to adhere to the IPOB sit-at-home order over some period of time.

    The man, who in the video warned that the group would be passing Aba today (Monday) after they got reports that Aba people no longer comply with IPOB orders, warned that anyone would be caught by his group and would have his or herself to blame.

    Our correspondent reports that the video which formed most of the discussions in Aba, the state, and the southeast, forced so many churches that now use Mondays for their religious programmes were forced to cancel them.

    A member of a popular church in Aba, Charity Emeruwa told our correspondent that their Pastor to the disappointment of the church suspended their Monday and Tuesday services indefinitely, following the tension generated by the video that trended at the weekend, which their pastor said they may not be able to predict what would be the outcome.

    Apart from churches, other sections of the state’s economy, including markets; both major and roadsides, schools, and banks closed for businesses.

    While some transport companies shut down operations, others were seen running skeletal services, as the Aba Central Motor Park was closed for business.

    Read Also: Courts free seven IPOB supporters

    Some visitors to the commercial city who missed traveling on Sunday and could not afford to pay for hotel accommodation were seen hanging around some of the motor parks, waiting to board to their locations Monday and Tuesday morning buses.

    Sources from Obohia, Overrail, and a few other places told our correspondent that some persons who claim to be IPOB enforcers went after those that opened their shops and businesses Monday morning, as they take advantage of the deplorable nature of the road to the area

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka could not be reached at the time of filing the report, but sources within the circles of security agencies in the state disclosed that they were aware of the video.

  • Courts free seven IPOB supporters

    Courts free seven IPOB supporters

    Three courts in Abuja have ordered the release of seven detainees said to be supporters of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    They were held for terrorism-related offences and for allegedly belonging to an outlawed organisation, among others.

    Those ordered to be released are: Maria Ezediaro, (Pastor) Cletus Nwachukwu Egole, his wife, Ifeyinwa Egole, Michael Uba, Ugochukwu Samuel, Raphael Idang, and Ngozichukwu Ada-Dav.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, one of the lawyers to IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor said those granted freedom were being held in various detention facilities of security agencies, and those facing one form of charge or the other.

    The lawyer said Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged Maria Ezediaro, adding: “She was arrested on February 26, 2021, when she visited the State CID, Owerri, Imo State Command, to give food and medication to her friend who was detained there, and was subsequently transferred to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team detention facility in ‘Abattoir’, Abuja, where she was subjected to all forms of inhuman treatment, severe torture and degradation.

    “…Following the refusal of the police to release her or charge her to court, we filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit on her behalf before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Read Also: Biafra: We’re ready for talks on referendum, says IPOB

    “Still on our application, she was granted bail by the court on April 21, 2022 and consequently released to us upon perfection of the bail conditions…”

    “On October 10, 2023, following our application and submissions before the court, the Federal High Court, Abuja, per Hon. Justice M. O. Olajuwon, struck out the four-count terrorism charge filed against Mrs. Maria Ezediaro and consequently discharged her.”

    Ejiofor said Justice V. S. Gaba of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) discharged the detainees and granted them N100 million compensatory damages against the police.

    The lawyer also said Justice Gaba, on September 19, 2023, granted all the reliefs sought in the suit filed by the detainees and declared that their arrest and detention was illegal and unconstitutional.

    “The court consequently directed that they be released unconditionally within three days of delivery of the judgment. The court further awarded compensatory damages in the sum of N100 million in favour of the applicants,” he said.

    Also, Ejiofor said Justice Z. B. Abubakar of a Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the release of Ada-Dav and awarded N30 million compensatory damages in her favour.

  • Emma the Grandiloquent

    Emma the Grandiloquent

    He answers the rather boastful name, Emma Powerful.  But on the job, he has clearly earned a fair sobriquet: Emma the Grandiloquent.  The colourful spokesperson of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is clearly catching a cruise.

    The funny thing though is that at every phase of his cruise-catching, he imposes a comic and sweeping universality that you couldn’t help but heartily laugh and even roll on the ground!

    Emma’s latest cruise is his grand announcement — any Powerful release wouldn’t be Powerful’s unless it was grand — that IPOB (read the Igbo) was ready for talks, with the Federal Government, over a “referendum” to peacefully opt out of Nigeria.

    Now, where did IPOB take a leave from its Monday sit-at-homes, to carry out a South East plebiscite, which approved its so-called exit “referendum” talks, with the federal authorities?  

    If no proof of that, might the latest then be no more than an IPOB whim (at best) or a Powerful fancy — the pun very much intended — (at worst)?

    By the way, Powerful romanticized the Monday sit-at-home, with his remarkable grandiloquence: the same zeal and zest he used to decry it, the moment sit-at-home spectacularly backfired; and IPOB itself found it had cut its nose to spite its face.

    Read Also: Biafra: We’re ready for talks on referendum, says IPOB

    Still, give it to Powerful: he is merrily inflexible on the IPOB cause — or curse.

    At the very beginning when Nnamdi Kanu was traducing everyone, Powerful was there to rally his cause.  

    Even when the tragic Ike Ekweremadu, now in a British jail for organ harvesting, was gored in Germany by IPOB cadres, Powerful was here eulogizing that savagery.

    When Kanu jumped bail and was lobbing incendiary stuff from a foreign safe haven, calling Nigeria a zoo and threatening thunder and brimstone, with IPOB’s so-called Eastern Security Network (ESN), Powerful was his cheery mouthpiece.

    When Kanu was caged, Powerful was shrillest, among zealots, to press the sit-at-home as sure blackmail tool to prise off Kanu, threatening captive co-Igbo with mortal repercussions, should they balk at the order.  When that threat sunk into equal opportunity criminality, which crested with vile Igbo-on-Igbo killings, the same Powerful washed his hands off the gargoyle that plagued the Igbo, though it all emanated from IPOB threats.

    On the so-called “referendum”, Powerful has weighed in with trademark zeal.  But what do folks call repeating the same things but expecting different results?  

    The crisis needs far more serious stuff, not comic grandiloquence.  Those who have ears, let them hear!

  • Biafra: We’re ready for talks on referendum, says IPOB

    Biafra: We’re ready for talks on referendum, says IPOB

    • Security agents burst ‘insurgents’ camp’ in Anambra; rescue priest, three others.

    In what appears to be a U-turn in its approach, a pro-Biafran group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group is now ready to negotiate with the Federal Government.

    In another development, the police in Anambra on Saturday rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and three other hostages unhurt through the efforts of its special squad team

    IPOB in a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Saturday, alleged that the group had lost over 5,000 members and properties worth over $1bn as a result of the extreme use of force from the Nigerian security forces.

    IPOB is now calling for a peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a United Nations-supervised referendum.

    Powerful said the peaceful agitation for Biafra independence started in 2012 without any violence or criminality, but the Federal Government has continued to attack its members.

    Part of the statement reads:

     “We the global family and movement of IPOB wish to reiterate once again that IPOB remains peaceful and open for negotiations and dialogue on the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a UN-supervised Referendum.

    “IPOB’s peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012. Never has IPOB been associated with violence or criminality in all our years of rallies and protests. Nevertheless, the Federal Government, through its security forces, has levied war against IPOB. Our members have been brutally attacked while on a peaceful protest by the Nigerian security forces at many locations in Biafra Land.

    “As a result of these unwarranted attacks, many IPOB members have been murdered in cold blood, some have been permanently handicapped, some forcefully taken away by the security forces whereas some are still illegally detained in various detention facilities across Nigeria.”

    Kidnapped Catholic priest, three others rescued

    Speaking on the rescued kidnapped victims, DSP Tochukwu  Ikenga, Police Public  Relations Officer in Anambra, in a statement signed and made available to newsmen, said the hostages were rescued unhurt through the efforts of its special squad team.

    Read Also: We’re ready to negotiate peaceful exit from Nigeria – IPOB

    Ikenga said the rescue was activated by its team, Forward Operating Base (FOB), comprising military and paramilitary services based in Aguata and  supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu.

    He said in a well-coordinated operation, the team stormed the insurgents’ camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and rescued the victims.

    The statement further stated that three suspects were arrested during the operation, nine vehicles and three Pump Action guns, stolen camouflage uniforms, and a Biafra flag were recovered.

    Ikenga said that several phones, flash drives, and SIM cards, which could aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the offenders were also found.

    He said that the gang had been responsible for the spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata council area in recent times.

    According to the police image maker, the abducted victims were all kidnapped in October, stating that the raid on the insurgents’ camp followed months of diligent, painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminals’ hideout.

    The PPRO noted further that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, ordered and coordinated the operation,  and praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.

    The statement noted the commendation of the operatives by Prof. Charles Soludo, Anambra Governor, and his assurance to continue to support all services involved in joint security operations across the state.

  • We’re ready to negotiate peaceful exit from Nigeria – IPOB

    We’re ready to negotiate peaceful exit from Nigeria – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared readiness to negotiate with the Federal Government on peaceful exit from Nigeria through a UN-monitored referendum.

    The pro-Biafran group said the peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012 without any violence or criminality.

    The group announced this in a statement issued by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Saturday.

    Powerful claimed that as a result of the alleged excessive use of force by the Nigerian security forces, IPOB has lost over 5,000 members and assets worth over $1 billion.

    The statement reads: “We the global family and movement of IPOB wish to reiterate once again that IPOB remains peaceful and open for negotiations and dialogue on peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria through a UN-supervised Referendum.

    “IPOB’s peaceful agitation for Biafra Independence started in 2012. Never has IPOB been associated with violence or criminality in all our years of rallies and protests. 

    “Nevertheless, Federal Government, through its security forces, has levied war against IPOB. Our members have been brutally attacked while on peaceful protest by the Nigeria security forces at many locations in Biafra Land.

    “As a result of these unwarranted attacks, many IPOB members have been murdered in cold blood, some have been permanently handicapped, some forcefully taking away by the security forces whereas some are still illegally detained in various detention facilities across Nigeria.

    “Many IPOB members and sympathisers have had their houses and business burnt by the Nigeria security forces. IPOB has lost over 5,000 members with properties worth over $1bn as a result of the extreme use of force from the Nigeria Security Forces. 

    “Irrespective of all the provocations, IPOB has never retaliated nor have we taken up arms against the Nigerian State.

    Read Also: Abia Governor Otti denies sponsoring IPOB

    “IPOB stands for peace. We stand for dialogue, and we stand for discussions. The cardinal rule under which IPOB was formed is to lead the way to a peaceful separation of Biafra from Nigeria. Biafra and Nigeria are two different nations.

    “The events from 1948 to 2023 have shown that it is practically impossible for Biafra and Nigeria to coexist as one nation. IPOB has been calling on the Nigeria State for discussions on a peaceful referendum date, but the Nigeria State always returns the peaceful call with violent suppression.

    “We have always maintained that self-determination is our inalienable right according to the UN laws.”

    The group insisted that it remains committed to pursuing its self-determination peacefully according to international laws and regulations.

  • Troops clear four IPOB/ESN camps in Imo

    Troops clear four IPOB/ESN camps in Imo

    • Recover fresh, old bodies

    Troops of the Joint Task Force, South-East, code-named Operation UDO KA II, have cleared four notorious camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

    The troops, in the course of the clearance, neutralised two IPOB/ESN members and four of the criminals were arrested.

    This is contained in a statement issued yesterday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

    Unuakhalu said the camps cleared are located in three communities – Ihube, Aku and Umulolo – in Okigwe Local Government.

    He said the clearance and recovery were carried out on Sunday.

    Read Also: Troops uncover fresh, old corpses in raid of IPOB/ESN camps in Imo

    The army spokesman said during the clearance operation, troops encountered many Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) deployed en route to the camps.

    According to him, “however, due to superior firepower, the irredentist group members fled into neighbouring forests with gunshot wounds.”

    “It was discovered that the camps were being used to perpetuate atrocities such as cannibalism, occultic practices and ritual killings, to instil fears in law-abiding citizens.

    “These were evident from many fresh and old bodies discovered while clearing the entire camps.

    “Also, the houses of the two spiritual leaders and herbalists that took to their heels were destroyed.

    “Furthermore, the shrine of the wanted terrorist, Amobi Chinoso Okafor, alias Temple, where human sacrifices are being made, was destroyed,” he said.

    Unuakhalu said that the items recovered from the camps included different denomination of the Biafra currencies, one new power bike, four motorcycles and solar panels.

    Others items recovered are POP cements and a petroleum tanker suspected to have been hijacked from hard working Igbo owners (indigenes) trying to make a living.

    “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.

    “All law-abiding and good citizens of the South-East are enjoined to act against these devilish terrorists by providing timely, credible and reliable information which will lead to ending the menace of insecurity occasioned by activities of the terrorist group in the region.

    “Do not be a victim of this sacrilegious. These criminals are desecrating Igboland,” he said.

  • Troops uncover fresh, old corpses in raid of IPOB/ESN camps in Imo

    Troops uncover fresh, old corpses in raid of IPOB/ESN camps in Imo

    Troops of the Joint Task Force, Southeast, code-named Operation UDO KA II, have cleared four notorious camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

    The troops, in the course of the clearance, neutralised two IPOB/ESN members and four of the criminals were arrested.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Monday, October 2, in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

    Unuakhalu said that the camps cleared are located in three communities – Ihube, Aku and Umulolo – in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

    He said that the clearance operation was carried out on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.

    The army spokesman said that during the clearance operation, troops encountered many Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) deployed en route to the camps.

    According to him, however, due to superior firepower, the irredentist group members fled into neighbouring forests with gunshot wounds.

    He said: “It was discovered that the camps were being used to perpetuate atrocities such as cannibalism, occultic practices and ritual killings to instil fears into law-abiding citizens.

    “These were evident from many fresh and old corpses discovered while clearing the entire camps. Also, the houses of the two spiritual leaders and herbalists that took to their heels were destroyed.

    “Furthermore, the shrine of the wanted terrorist, Amobi Chinoso Okafor, alias Temple, where human sacrifices are being made was destroyed.”

    Unuakhalu said that the items recovered from the camps included different denominations of the Biafra currencies, one new power bike, four motorcycles, and solar panels.

    Other items recovered are POP cement and a petroleum tanker suspected to have been hijacked by hard-working Igbo owners (indigenes) trying to make a living.

    Read Also: Troops seized 696,250ltrs of stolen crude, destroyed 34 illegal refineries in 2 weeks

    He said: “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.

    “All law-abiding and good citizens of the South-East are enjoined to act against these devilish terrorists by providing timely, credible, and reliable information which will lead to ending the menace of insecurity occasioned by activities of the terrorist group in the region.

    “Do not be a victim of this sacrilegious. These criminals are desecrating Igboland.”