Onyema Nwachukwu, Nigerian iArmy spokesman, on Monday, November 1, during a briefing with journalists on the ongoing military operation in the south-east stated that Eastern Security Network, an outfit of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is behind the series of attacks in the south-east region.
He further alledged that Chukwunonso Iherue, leader of a gang is behind the attacks on police stations in Imo state and also masterminded the recent violence in Izombe community of the state.
According to Nwachukwu, Iherue was one of the convicts who escaped during the attack at Imo prison in April.
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Iherue and his gang members on October 1, were seen parading the community, flying the Biafra insignia and instilling fear in the people.
When the army attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons but he was later neutralised.
“The group opened fire on troops, killing two soldiers in the process,” he said.
“It was, however, observed on arrival at the community that the criminal gang also burnt own troops van in addition to other public and private property,” he said.
“In an effort to avoid civilian casualty and collateral damage in the community, troops tactically withdrew from the area.
“Unfortunately, the suspected IPOB members ran amok, setting ablaze houses and other property belonging to those perceived to be against them.
“A reinforcement team was deployed to Izombe and the security situation was immediately stabilised, while peace has since returned to the community.
“It was, however, observed on arrival at the community that the criminal gang also burnt troops’ van in addition to other public and private property.” the statement added
Nwachukwu further said that troops of Sector 5 in Anambra neutralised three IPOB gunmen who attacked a Nigerian Police checkpoint on Okija-Onitsha expressway on October 7. Addi that troops also foiled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN gunmen at Arochukwu Correctional Facility in Abia, among other operational successes in the southeast zone of the country.
