The combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police on July 31, 2023 invaded the hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Information available to ZN revealed that the combined team arrived the settlement centre of group, which is demarcated by a river between the boundary of Okpanam/Ugbolu at about 10:00am with over 15 vehicles, armoured tank and bulldozer.
It was learnt that the settlement centre was formerly use by various cult groups to initiate members before IPOB came and drove them away and took over the area, which they now use as a training ground.
Presently, the group, which has been dislodged from the area, has absconded from their hideouts.
Report also reaching ZN revealed that the security agencies have asked those camping in the area as farmers to vacate to enable them fish out IPOB members.
It could be recalled that last month, the combined team went into the place of worship of IPOB, destroyed it, discovered arms, ammunitions, motor bikes, generator and arrested a member with bullet injury.
The Indigenous People of Biafra had earlier faced series of confrontations from the combined teams where two members of IPOB lost their lives, while a police officer lost his life in course of exchange of gunfire.
It was also gathered that IPOB members were collecting security fees from property developers in the affected area ranging from N20,000 and above. Many property owners were regretting investing in the area and occupants have began to relocate for fear of losing their lives to IPOB until the combined team of the Nigerian Army and Police came to their rescue.
Besides, business owners operating in the area suffered serious setback in the hands of IPOB on Saturdays, because it is a day set aside by IPOB for worship. Also business owners lost reasonable amount of money due to inability to open their shops as a result of the stand by directives of IPOB.
Residents have been leaving in fear for over 8 years when IPOB started terrorizing the entire area.
Further information revealed that the IPOB terrorist group has shifted base to Akwukwu/Illah area after the combined team had invaded and destroyed their shanties in Okpanam area.
The activities of IPOB have been drastically reduced in the area since the combined team of Nigerian Army and Police invaded the area.
Before now, the Army Public Relations Officer in a press statement informed members of the public to report any activities of Ipob in the area to the law enforcement agencies in the state for quick intervention.
As at the time of filing the report, no arrest has been made by the officials of the Nigerian Police.
