Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities linked to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, during a security operation in Abia State. The operation also led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to kidnapping and ritual practices in the area.
The raid took place in the Olokoro area of Abia State following intelligence reports indicating that criminal groups were using forested locations around the community as hideouts. Military authorities said the operation was conducted by troops operating under Operation UDO KA, a security initiative aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring stability in the South-East.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the operation formed part of a broader campaign to eliminate camps used by armed groups and criminal gangs in the region. Troops reportedly stormed several enclaves believed to be linked to kidnappers and individuals suspected of engaging in ritual activities.
During the operation, soldiers discovered a shrine that authorities said was being used for ritual practices and spiritual fortification by individuals allegedly connected to the group. The shrine was subsequently destroyed to prevent it from continuing to serve as a base for criminal activities.
Security officials confirmed that three suspects were arrested at the scene. The individuals are believed to be linked to criminal networks operating in the forest areas and are currently being interrogated as part of ongoing investigations.
Troops also recovered several items during the raid, including identity cards, ATM cards, empty ammunition cases, machetes, mobile phones, a motorcycle, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs. The recovered materials are being examined by security agencies as investigators attempt to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and their possible connections to wider criminal networks.
Military authorities said the operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle camps used by kidnappers and armed groups responsible for insecurity in parts of southeastern Nigeria. The region has faced ongoing security challenges in recent years, including attacks on security personnel, kidnappings, and violent incidents attributed to various armed groups.
Following the raid, troops continued clearance operations in surrounding forest areas to ensure that other criminal hideouts were identified and dismantled. Security officials said the operation is ongoing and that additional arrests could be made as investigations progress.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting communities and restoring peace in the South-East. Authorities emphasized that security operations will continue across the region until criminal elements are completely dismantled.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help identify suspicious activities or hideouts used by criminal groups. According to the military, community cooperation remains essential to sustaining security operations and preventing the re-establishment of criminal camps.
The destruction of the shrine and the arrest of the suspects represent another step in ongoing security efforts to combat kidnapping, ritual-related crimes, and armed violence in Abia State and the wider South-East region.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments