The Nigerian military launched air operations on Thursday on camps believed to have been occupied by the Eastern Security Network an offshoot of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo State.
The operations sent residents of Orlu and Orsu local government areas of Imo State scampering for safety.
Spokesperson of the army’s 34 artillery brigade in Obinze, Owerri, Imo State capital, Babatunde Zubairu, said locals were not being harassed in the operation.
Residents confirmed to the news media that they were not being attacked.
Zubairu also said helicopters were deployed for the mission.
“Civilians were not in any way harassed in the exercise. No casualties. The invasion may have been warranted by intelligence reports. The leaders and office bearers from Orlu zone should address this security instability in our zone now. This is not healthy for the progress and advancement of the biggest senatorial zone in Nigeria,” an indigene of Uda Orsuihiteukwa in Orlu told PUNCH.
Soldiers and ESN members clashed in January in Orlu, forcing the governor Hope Uzodimma to declare curfew.
