Troops of Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA have raided a suspected kidnappers’ and ritualists’ hideout in Olokoro, Abia State, arresting three suspects allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The operation, conducted on March 11 by troops of the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, formed part of the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in the South-East.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, troops carried out the raid following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and ritualists operating in the forested area of Olokoro.
Ayeni said the suspects, believed to be in their 20s and 30s, had been on the watch list of security agencies for alleged involvement in ritual killings, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed several hideouts believed to be used by suspected kidnappers and ritualists operating with IPOB and ESN within the forested areas of Olokoro in Abia State,” he said.
He added that during the raid, troops discovered and destroyed a shrine allegedly used by the group for ritual activities and spiritual fortification.
“During the operation, a shrine employed for IPOB/ESN ritual activities and fortification was uncovered and subsequently destroyed in order to deny the criminals any sanctuary,” Ayeni said.
The Army spokesman disclosed that several items were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
“Items recovered include different identity cards, ATM cards, empty cases of ammunition, a motorcycle, a bag containing suspected illicit substances, mobile phones and machetes used for their criminal activities,” he said.
Ayeni explained that troops were continuing clearance operations in the area to track down other suspected criminals and recover weapons and other equipment.
“The clearance operation is still ongoing as troops continue combing the Olokoro forest general area in search of other camps, in pursuit of other kidnappers and ritualists and recovery of arms, ammunition and other items used for their nefarious activities,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustaining operations against criminal elements threatening peace in the South-East.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security across Abia State and the South-East region,” he added.
Ayeni also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to help dismantle criminal networks in the region.
“Members of the public are requested to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace,” he said.
