In a coordinated military operation, Nigerian troops have stormed several suspected criminal hideouts in Delta State, leading to the arrest of individuals alleged to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to the military, the operation targeted camps believed to be used by the ESN for planning and executing attacks, illegal arms storage, and other unlawful activities. Several suspects were apprehended during the raid, and a cache of weapons, communication gadgets, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were reportedly recovered.
“The arrested individuals are currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution,” the Army said in a statement.
Residents in the affected communities expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the military for restoring calm, while others voiced concerns over alleged heavy-handedness during the operation.
The Army urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure sustained peace in the region.
Further details on the identities of the suspects and the exact locations of the raids were not disclosed as investigations are ongoing.
Stay with 9JASCOOP for updates on this developing story.