By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Joint troops under Operation UDO KA have overrun the suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN)/IPOB supreme headquarters in Mother Valley in Orsu area of Imo, following a coordinated ground assault.

A credible Army Headquarters source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the final assault commenced at about 7 a.m. on Feb. 26, involving personnel of the military, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He said the troops advanced on foot for about three hours through difficult and restricted terrain to gain entry into the valley.

He added that the joint force met heavy resistance from ESN/IPOB elements who employed locally-made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense gunfire.

He explained that “the troops, however, displayed resilience and professionalism, overwhelmed the fighters and broke through their defensive positions.

“The force successfully dominated the valley, neutralising one suspected IPOB member, while several others were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered during the operation included two pump-action guns, one locally-fabricated firearm, one tear gas gun and seven gas cylinders.

“Others were one electric kettle, one Biafran flag, one United States flag and one Israeli flag.”

The source revealed that troops also destroyed life-support structures at the camp, including solar panels and a Mikano generator.

He added that an ambush team also apprehended two suspected IPOB members during the operation.

“One suspect was apprehended while allegedly attempting to plant an IED, while the other was arrested for allegedly spying on troop movement into the valley.

“Both suspects are currently in the custody of the 34 Military Intelligence and are undergoing profiling and further investigation.

“Troops also recovered one Kia saloon car and one black Toyota Sequoia SUV from a parking area within another sector of the valley.

“Efforts were ongoing to move the vehicles to the Forward Operating Base in Orsu,” he added. (NAN)

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