Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, yesterday, said fighter jets struck locations of the Indeginous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra and Imo States.
A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the air interdiction was aimed at dislocating the group and denying them the liberty to carry out their destructive acts and killing of innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
It said the aircraft under the Air Component of Operation UDO KA II, on Tuesday 26 September, 2023, carried out several air strikes on IPOB/ESN locations at Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State and at Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
“The air strikes at both locations achieved their intended outcome and deemed effective. Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra State and other states in South-east Nigeria from their concealed bunkers/hideouts at Mother Valley Orsumughu, air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions,” it said.
The statement affirmed that the air strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received.
It said the air interdiction was also conducted, same day, in close coordination with surface forces at IPOB/ESN hideout camps in Aku Ihube in Imo State after detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.
Consequently, he said air strikes were authorised to hit the hideout, and the targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success.
“Efforts by the NAF and other security agencies at ensuring all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside were safe and free to conduct their activities without fear or being threatened will continue.
“While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements who’s only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” it said.
