Army discovers IPOB/ESN Firearms, drone factory in Delta state

The Nigerian Army has successfully uncovered and dismantled a significant firearms and drone manufacturing facility operated by armed members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Delta State.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said that the operation was conducted in Onicha Ulona, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta, and resulted in the arrest of six members of the IPOB militia arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Intelligence gathered before the operation revealed that the factory was being utilised by the dissidents to carry out criminal activities aimed at terrorising neighbouring communities and innocent citizens.

Despite facing stiff resistance, the troops engaged in a fierce firefight with the armed militants, ultimately neutralising two of them and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

Among the items recovered were various firearms associated with IPOB/ESN, ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED), and a factory dedicated to drone manufacturing.

The troops also confiscated weapons, materials for constructing drones, workshop equipment, and power-generating sets. Additionally, four male and two female militants were apprehended during the operation.

Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu reiterated the army’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and insurgent activities to address security challenges across the nation. He called on the public to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability.

“The gallant troops neutralised two of the fighters and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.

“Items captured by the troops include, a wide range of IPOB/ESN firearms, ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED) and a drone manufacturing factory.

“Other items recovered are a variety of weapons, drones under construction, with prototypes, Improvised Explosive Device materials, a fully equipped workshop, and several power generating sets.

“Troops also apprehended four male and two female fighters during the operation,” he said.