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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.
According to a statement by army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the group targeted the people for lawfully refusing to observe the illegal sit-at-home order foisted on them on Monday 6 November 2021.
He added that the swift response of troops compelled the attackers, mounted on two Sienna Buses and a Toyota Hilux truck to abandon their mission and withdraw in disarray.
Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals, the army spokesman said.
In a separate development, 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.
General Onyema noted that 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 army spokesman explained that 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.
He urged all law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the illegal sit-at-home order.
General Onyema also appealed to the people of Mgbidi, Awo Mmama, and Omuma Communities to report any suspected movement of members of the irredentist group, who may be seeking a safe haven, to relevant security agencies.
