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Troops operating under the 34 Artillery Brigade have reopened the Lilu–Eketutu Road in Imo State.
The road, which lies between the borders of Anambra and Imo States, has been closed for three years due to the illicit activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The troops, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), “also destroyed IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) bomb factory in Imo State.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.
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He said the operation, carried out in the Orsu–Eketutu Main Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa general area, was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by criminal elements.
He added that the operation was also intended to facilitate the safe return of residents who were forced to flee their homes due to the activities of IPOB and its armed affiliates.
“In one of the operations, troops operating under the 34 Artillery Brigade carried out joint clearance operations along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Main Valley area of Imo on March 6.
“The road, which is a strategic route that provides a way of livelihood for the community and the smooth flow of people, goods and services to the surrounding community, has been neglected for more than three years.
“This is due to constant threats and attacks by IPOB/ESN militants.
“During the operation, troops found IEDs planted in various areas along the road.
“The IED was successfully disconnected and safely recovered by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential loss of life and restoring access to the route,” the spokesperson said.
