KINGSLEY EBERE
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said its fighter jet under the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, has bombarded several hideouts belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network(ESN), at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, and Aku Ihube in Okigwe LGA of Imo State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the bombardment, which lasted for several hours, witnessed heavy causalities as the logistics and armoury base of the ESN/IPOB were destroyed during the operation.
This was disclosed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who confirmed the operation.
The Air Commodore said, “In efforts aimed at dislocating their nefarious activities while denying them the liberty to carry out their destructive acts and killing sprees on innocent and law-abiding Nigerians, aircraft under the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, on Tuesday 26th September, 2023, carried out several strikes on IPOB/ESN locations at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State and at Aku Ihube in Okigwe LGA of Imo State.
The strikes at both locations achieved their intended outcome and deemed effective.
“Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra State and other States in South East Nigeria from their concealed bunkers/hideouts at Mother Valley Orsumughu, air strikes were authorized in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions. The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received.”
“Air strikes were also conducted same day in close coordination with surface forces at IPOB/ESN hideout camps in Aku Ihube in Imo State after detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout. Consequently, air strikes were also authorized to strike the hideout. The targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success.”
“Efforts by the NAF and other security agencies at ensuring all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear or being threatened will continue. While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements whose only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry” he stated.
P.M.EXPRESS gathered that after the operation, there has been relative peace in the area as people cautiously moved within their premises to avoid being hit by stray bullets as the number of casualties were yet to be ascertained.