Troops thwart suspected IPOB/ESN plan to attack two communities in Imo

The Nigerian Army on Monday said troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3, have thwarted plans by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and Eastern Security Network (ESN) to unleash mayhem on residents of Mgbidi and Awo Mmamma communities in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state.

This was contained in a statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations on Monday.

The statement said the terrorists prepared to inflict injuries on the two communities; for their refusal to obey their unlawful sit at home order, but unfortunately, the troops went after them.

The hoodlums reportedly came in two Sienna Buses and a Toyota Hilux truck for their botched operations.

He said, the terrorists abandoned their mission and withdrew in disarray and that troops are presently on their trail

In another development, the troops discovered four Improvised Explosive Devices planted by members of the proscribed IPOB/ ESN, in an attempt to cause harm and inflict injuries on unsuspecting motorists, road users along Orlu – Owerri road.

The Army PRO said the explosive was discovered by vigilant troops, who were on a reinforcement mission to Mgbidi/Awo Mmama, adding that the explosive was carefully defused

He added that the troops also recovered four wraps of unexploded ordnances, one motorcycle battery, two-vehicle alarm devices, one detonator, wires and batteries, adding that, the road has been safely cleared for motorcyclists and other vehicular movements

He urged all law-abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the illegal sit at home order, just as it also, appealed to the good 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.