By Festus Fifen

The Nigeria Defence headquarters says troops of the Nigerian military and other sister security agencies have discovered a new hideout belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Ihiala in Anambra State used for the production of explosives and other arms for attacks on security personnel in the south-eastern part of Nigeria.
Briefing Newsmen at the defence headquarters on Thursday, Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko noted that the production site was destroyed by security forces even as the Nigeria Troops have continued to maintain vigilance and dominate the Zone with patrols to deter intending criminal activities.
Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko added that based on credible intelligence, troops conducted a raid operation on a notorious camp of the IPOB/ESN at Akpawfu Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State.
In his words, “A combined team of security operatives raided the camp and neutralized some of their members and recovered arms and ammunition in the process,”
Given updates from other regions where different joint military operations are taking place, Brig-Gen Onyeuko stated that in the war against banditry in the North West Zone of the country, 14 armed bandits were neutralized, 36 kidnap victims rescued while 24 criminal elements including 16 bandits informants were arrested, this is in additionally, 7 AK 47 rifles, 6 motorcycles, 4 machetes, and 223 rustled cows recovered from bandits.
“Consequently, no fewer than 14 armed bandits were neutralized. Also, a total of 36 kidnapped victims were rescued within the period and troops assisted one of the victims to the safe delivery of a baby during one of the encounters. A total of 7 AK-47 rifles, 6 motorcycles, assorted military and police uniforms, 6 vehicles and 4 machetes among other items were recovered within the period. Gen Onyeuko said.

On the war against smuggling in the south South Region, General Onyeuko said Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted series of anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal bunkering, anti-illegal oil refining, anti-smuggling and anti-militancy operations. These operations recorded significant successes with a total of 24 ovens, 37 storage tanks laden with a total of 120,000 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit, 80,000 litres of illegally Automotive Gas Oil and 1,100 barrels of stolen crude oil recovered, while Troops also arrested a large wooden boat laden with 22,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine , five 45HP boat engines and 2 pumping machines also recovered.

Regarding the war on terror, Onyeuko said 15 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed in several encounters, 29 terrorist members were arrested while 40 kidnapped civilians were rescued by troops during the week under review.

“Troops have continued to dominate the different theatre of operation nationwide with land, maritime and air patrols to protect Nigeria’s economic infrastructures in different Zones of the country” Onyeuko said.
Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko stated in clear terms that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are seriously committed and are working assiduously to fight all forms criminality for the unity of Nigeria and will not relent in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the Country.
“The Military High Command commends the enormous sacrifices of our troops in the various theatres of operations across the Country
“The general public and the press community are highly appreciated and also encouraged to continue to support our efforts by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements.” he concluded