The air component of Operation Udo Ka II, led by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), carried out successful air strikes on Tuesday, targeting the bunkers and weapons depots of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra and Imo states.
The air raids were based on credible intelligence reports that the IPOB/ESN militants were planning to launch attacks on civilians and security forces in the Southeast region.
According to a statement issued by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Wednesday, the NAF fighter jets destroyed several IPOB/ESN enclaves in Mother Valley Orsumughu in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State and at Aku Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
Some of the locations were believed to be their armouries, where they stored their weapons and ammunition.
Gabkwet said that the air strikes were conducted in coordination with ground troops and other security agencies, who confirmed the success of the operations.
He said that the air strikes hit the targets accurately, causing a huge fireball and scattering the fleeing terrorists. He also said that the air strikes disrupted the IPOB/ESN meeting that was scheduled to take place at their camps in Imo State.
He assured that the NAF would continue to work with other security agencies to protect the lives and property of Nigerians from any threat posed by the IPOB/ESN or any other criminal group.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
