By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of the Nigerian Army have raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hideout and recovered cache of arms and ammunition in Obibi Forest, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.

The report said the operation was conducted at about 5:37 p.m. on Wednesday by troops of 197 Special Forces Battalion, in collaboration with 342 Army Reference Hospital, Nigeria Police and vigilantes.

It said the troops apprehended one suspected IPOB member and recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one G3 rifle and one magazine containing 15 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The troops also recovered an additional 64 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one motorcycle and charms during the raid.

“The apprehended suspect and recovered items were handed over to 34 Artillery Brigade for further investigation and action.

“In a related operation, troops of 143 Battalion also apprehended seven suspected drug peddlers around Nunya community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia.

“The suspects were arrested at about 12:08 p.m. on Wednesday, with preliminary investigation indicating that one of them allegedly operated a medicine store at Eluama.

“The suspect was allegedly supplying drugs to the other members of the group.

“The seven suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Ovim Division, for further investigation,” he said. (NAN)