Shallow graves discovered as security dislodge IPOB, ESN camps in Imo

The Joint Security Task Force in Imo State, also known as Operation Udoka, has arrested over 20 suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in a joint clearance operation.

The operation saw security forces raid and destroy camps linked to the group in Aku Community, Okigwe Council Area of the state, dislodging them from the area. During the raid, several stolen vehicles, arms, ammunition, and explosive devices were recovered. Shallow graves, believed to contain remains of victims allegedly killed by the group, were also discovered.

The Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig-Gen U. A. Lawal, the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Joseph Ogbonna, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the community yesterday.

They reiterated the commitment of the state government and security operatives to eliminate criminal elements and restore peace and stability in Imo. Commending their personnel for their achievements, they urged residents of Aku Community and the entire state to collaborate with security efforts to maintain peace.

Lawal and Danjuma further assured that those arrested would be thoroughly investigated to determine their involvement in the activities of the group, with those found culpable facing the full weight of the law.

They added that efforts were underway to exhume corpses from the shallow graves for identification and proper burial, while recovered stolen items would be returned to their rightful owners.

“Prior to now, you couldn’t enter this community because criminal elements had taken over, but today, we are here. Through this operation, we have restored peace,” said Brig-Gen Lawal.

He lamented the destruction caused by the group and assured residents that efforts to arrest all criminal elements would continue. “This operation is a success. We have seen their detention centres, where they buried victims in shallow graves, and the courts where they passed jungle justice,” added Danjuma.

Other officials present during the visit included the Director of the Department of State Security Service, Shola Aguda; Commander of the Naval Base in Oguta, Commodore M. B. Salisu; and the State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mr Modest Osakwe.

The Guardian learnt that Aku Community has been under the siege of IPOB elements led by one Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle, an indigene of the area.

It was observed that residents had deserted the community, leaving churches, schools, markets, and socio-economic infrastructure destroyed.