Ihiala abduction: Troops raid gunmen’s forest camp, recover rifles, ammunition, bomb-making materials
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered a suspected criminal hideout in a forest in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering firearms, ammunition and materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices.
The operation followed the abduction of three persons in the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
According to security sources, the victims were rescued after troops, supported by local security volunteers, launched an operation against the suspected kidnappers.
The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected member of the criminal syndicate identified as Sunday Obi.
Obi was reportedly arrested at about 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, during a follow-up operation.
Security sources said information allegedly obtained from the suspect led troops to Abator in Ogbaru, across the Isieke waterside, where they discovered a suspected camp belonging to the group.
The troops reportedly used canoes to cross the waterways before moving through the forest to reach the hideout.
On arrival, the operatives were said to have encountered some occupants of the camp, who fled into the forest after an exchange of gunfire, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.
Although the suspects escaped, the troops recovered several weapons and other items from the abandoned camp.
The recovered items reportedly included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, three pump-action guns and three locally fabricated Dane guns.
The troops also recovered 62 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 149 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two cartridges.
Other items found at the location included two mobile phones, a solar generator, a power bank, a car battery, two motorcycle batteries and two solar panels.
Of particular concern to the security operatives were materials suspected to be connected with the production of improvised explosive devices.
The recovered weapons and materials are expected to assist investigators in establishing the activities of the group, its sources of weapons and other supplies, as well as possible links with other criminal operations.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to track down the suspects who escaped from the camp and identify other individuals who may have provided logistical support to the group.
