Nigerian Troops Reopen Road Closed for Years by IPOB Activities

Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade have reopened the Lilu–Eketutu Road connecting Anambra and Imo states, which had been shut for the past three years due to the activities associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In their mission, they worked closely with members of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, State Security Service, Nigeria Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The forces also managed to dismantle a bomb- making facility used by IPOB in Imo State.

This information was disclosed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, during a briefing in Enugu on Friday.

Colonel Ayeni emphasized that these operations were conducted in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa regions as part of ongoing efforts aimed at neutralizing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that had been planted by criminal organizations.

He noted that the operations were also intended to reassure residents who had been forced to flee their homes due to the violent activities perpetrated by IPOB and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

On March 6, in one of the initiatives, troops performed a joint clearance operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area, where operations are aimed at restoring safety and enabling the return of residents.

The road serves as a crucial corridor for the local communities, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and it had been deserted for over three years because of the ongoing threats and assaults by IPOB/ESN militants.

During the operations, the troops recovered and neutralized IEDs planted in various locations along the route with the help of trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, successfully preventing potential injuries and restoring access to this vital roadway.

On March 11, another clearance operation was conducted in the Orsu–Ihiteukwa area, targeting suspected IED locations along key routes to enhance civic security and assist displaced individuals in safely returning to their residences.

During this operation, troops detonated multiple IEDs while advancing and discovered an IED production facility associated with IPOB/ESN. The compound was thoroughly examined, yielding various materials, including Biafran flags and symbols, numerous rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, and piping believed to be used for bomb activation.

Additionally, they recovered items such as ammunition magazines for pistols, double-barrel shotguns, CCTV cameras, and various electrical components thought to be utilized in explosive device construction.

The spokesman for the army stated that EOD teams identified several other IEDs in the vicinity, which were carefully detonated and safely destroyed. He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to maintain pressure on criminal groups that threaten peace and stability in Imo, Anambra, and the broader South-east region.

He urged the public to continue submitting timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation is essential for disrupting criminal elements and restoring lasting peace. "Operation UDOKA is dedicated to safeguarding law-abiding citizens, securing lives and properties, and reinforcing stability across the region," he declared.