Sustained military operations across the South East have compelled some members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to begin surrendering their weapons, according to military authorities.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the military disclosed in an operational report released on Sunday that continuous offensive operations and logistics strangulation by Operation UDO KA (OPUK) in the Ohaji Egbema and Orsumoghu general areas had forced some fighters to capitulate and voluntarily lay down their arms.
The report said the operations led to the recovery of three rifles, six magazines, 99 rounds of ammunition, four locally made guns and one improvised explosive device (IED).
Military authorities further revealed that a militant commander identified as “Comedy” voluntarily informed the Imo State Amnesty Committee of the location where his weapons had been buried following sustained pressure from troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade.
According to the report, a recovery team led by the amnesty committee subsequently exhumed the cache and handed it over to the brigade.
Items recovered from the location included one AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62 millimetre special ammunition and four locally made firearms.
The military assessed that the latest development could encourage more members of militant groups operating in the region to voluntarily surrender their illegal weapons and embrace peaceful engagement.
The report also indicated that other IPOB and ESN members are already exploring safe channels to surrender their arms, while troops continue to sustain operational pressure and closely monitor their activities across the region.
In a related development, troops of Sector 5, Operation UDO KA, carried out a follow up operation after a viral video released by the Anambra Vigilante Group showed the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs).
The follow up operation resulted in the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62 millimetre by 51 ammunition and one improvised explosive device.
Military authorities confirmed that all recovered weapons, ammunition and explosive devices are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, adding that operations against criminal elements will continue across the South East.
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