Troops Discover Locally Made Bombs Allegedly Planted In The Middle Of Orlu-Owerri Road By IPOB/ESN Members (Photos)

Troops of the Nigerian Army have discovered and disarmed four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on the Orlu-Owerri road in Imo State.

The IEDs were allegedly planted by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

A statement on Monday signed and made available to Ezenwoko’s Blog by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu said that the bombs were designed to harm unsuspecting motorists and other road users.

He however added that the troops who were on a reinforcement mission to Mgbidi/Awo Mmama detected the IEDs and successfully disabled them without any casualties.

According to Nwachukwu, “troops have uncovered four Improvised Explosive Devices planted by members of the proscribed IPOB/ ESN, in their desperate effort to inflict harm on unsuspecting motorists and other road users along Orlu – Owerri road.

“The vigilant troops, who were on a reinforcement mission to Mgbidi/Awo Mmama detected the IEDs planted at about 15 meters apart on both sides of the road and safely defused them. No casualty was recorded during the defusion.

“The troops also recovered four wraps of unexploded ordnances, one motorcycle battery, two vehicle alarm devices, one detonator, wires, and batteries.

“The road has been safely cleared and motorists have resumed plying the road.”

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The statement also claimed that members of the IPOB/ESN group attempted to cause disturbances by attacking residents of Mgbidi and Awo Mmamma communities in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.

The Army statement however revealed that the attempt was thwarted by the quick intervention of troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3.

The statement said the IPOB/ESN members were trying to enforce the sit-at-home order in the area but fled after sighting the soldiers.

“Troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 have thwarted an attempt by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) to unleash mayhem on residents of Mgbidi and Awo Mmamma communities in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.

“The group targeted terrorising the people for lawfully refusing to observe the illegal sit-at-home order foisted on them on Monday 6 November 2021.

“The swift response of troops compelled the attackers, mounted on two Sienna Buses and a Toyota Hilux truck to abandon their mission and withdrew in disarray. Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals,” the statement noted.

The Army further urged all law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the illegal sit at home order while the people of Mgbidi, Awo Mmama and Omuma Communities are expected to report any suspected movement of members of the irredentist group, who may be seeking a safe haven, to relevant security agencies.