TheCable

Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) attached to the 6 Division have raided a suspected hideout of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Delta state.

The troops were said to have arrested one fighter during the raid.

The ESN is a paramilitary organisation of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the raid was conducted on Saturday in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The IPOB enclave is said to be located in the middle of a forest in Asaba, the Delta capital.

Zagazola Makama said the IPOB fighters were forced to flee the location after they were overpowered by the troops.

The troops reportedly recovered five AK 47 rifles, three pump action semi-automatic rifles, one G3 rifle and one single-barrel gun.

Other weapons recovered include live cartridges, an electric saw, machetes, and an axe.

The troops reportedly destroyed the IPOB/ESN hideout and are on the trail of the fleeing fighters.

Taoreed Lagbaja, chief of army staff, commended the troops for their efforts in the ongoing operations and urged them to sustain the tempo in the fight against criminals in the state.