Military pressure forces IPOB fighters to surrender arms – Report

Sustained military operations in Nigeria's South-East region have led to the surrender of arms by some members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Military authorities reported this development on Sunday, citing offensive operations and logistical pressure as key factors.

According to a military operational report, the campaigns in areas like Ohaji-Egbema and Orsumoghu compelled several fighters to capitulate. This resulted in the recovery of three rifles, six magazines, 99 rounds of ammunition, four locally made guns, and one improvised explosive device (IED). The report highlighted the case of a militant leader known as “Comedy,” who voluntarily revealed the burial location of his weapons to the Imo State Amnesty Committee.

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Sustained logistics strangulation and offensive operations by Operation UDO KA in Ohaji-Egbema and Orsumoghu general areas had compelled some fighters to capitulate and surrender their arms.

A recovery team, led by the committee, exhumed the cache, which included an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of special ammunition, and four locally made guns. These were handed over to the 34 Artillery Brigade. Military officials assess that this success will likely encourage other militant groups to surrender their illegal arms peacefully.

Furthermore, other IPOB and ESN elements are reportedly seeking safe passage to hand over their weapons. Troops are maintaining operational pressure and monitoring their movements. In a related operation, troops recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of ammunition, and another IED following a viral video showing a previous recovery by the Anambra Vigilante Group. All recovered items are in military custody, and operations are ongoing across the South-east.

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The development would encourage other militant groups to surrender their illegal arms voluntarily.