Soldiers of Sector 1 of the ongoing Operation Python Dance in Abia State have raided a kidnappers’ den at Ohanze in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.
The soldiers also arrested three suspected members of the gang; Okezie Nwaobilor, Arinze Ugiri and Michael Sunday, while Mr. Monday Benson, an abducted victim was said to have been rescued by the soldiers during the raid.
A release by the 82Division Headquarters of Nigerian Army Public Relations Officer, Col. Musa Sagir stated that the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police after initial questioning for continuation of investigation and possible prosecution.
According to the release, troops of Sector 4 on a tip off, raided a criminal hideout at Obinze community general area and arrested 17 suspected criminals and recovered items which include 3 locally made pistols, 5 Dane guns and 15 rounds of various calibers of ammunition. Other items recovered were local charms and 7 wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp.
The release further stated that troops of Sector 4 in conjunction with the Nigeria Police also raided a criminal den at Ukukwa North Local Government Area of Anambra State where they arrested 7 suspected criminals and recovered 4 locally made pistols, 420 live cartridges, about 50kg of Cannabis and some Charms.
The suspects and the items were said to have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for necessary actions to be taken.
The release added that troops of Sector 2, based on intelligence conducted 2 raid operations on suspected cultists’ shrines at Awara and Assa communities of Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State where10 suspected cult members were arrested and had since been transferred to the Nigeria Police after preliminary investigation.
Part of the release read “Despite the initial opposition to Exercise EGWU EKE II by the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra members and their sympathizers and unpatriotic elements, the general area of the South East especially Aba in Abia State is now fully stabilized. The usual violent activities of the outlawed Biafra “National Guards” (manning check points and extorting money from traders and motorists) have now been checkmated.
“Similarly, the outlawed Biafra terrorists’ group presence is no longer visible and people go about their normal businesses without fear, let or hindrance.
“The 82 Division Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the public that it is poised to maintaining the peace and security in the entire South-Eastern Region. Members of the public are please requested to cooperate with security agencies by remaining law abiding and passing credible information to the nearest security check point or call 193 and the various Sector Commanders’ telephone numbers that were earlier made public.
“The Nigerian Army encourages the residents of the states to be vigilant of any suspicious activities and has provided contact details for the public should they possess any vital information regarding the exercise.” – The Nation.
