The Nigerian Army stated on Monday that its troops discovered locally built bombs, also known as improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, hidden on the Orlu-Owerri route by IPOB’s militant arm, the Eastern Security Network.
The discovery was disclosed in a statement by Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, on Monday.
According to him, the devices were set as booby traps in order to cause injury to vehicles and other road users.
According to him, troops on a reinforcement trip to the Mgbidi/Awo Mmama area of Imo discovered and safely defused the devices planted around 15 meters apart on both sides of the road.
The military also discovered four unexploded ordinance wraps, one motorcycle battery, two car alarm devices, one detonator, wires, and batteries on the road, according to Nwachukwu.
“The road has been safely cleared and motorists have resumed plying the road. We urge all law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the illegal sit at home order.
“We also appeal to the good people of Mgbidi, Awo Mmama and Omuma Communities to report any suspected movement of members of the irredentist group, who may be seeking a safe haven, to relevant security agencies. Also in the statement, Nwachukwu said troops of Nigerian Army conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 thwarted an attempt by members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN) to unleash mayhem on residents of Mgbidi and Awo Mmamma communities in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo state. One of the IPOB/ESN bombs uncovered by Nigerian troops in Imo
“The group targeted terrorising the people for lawfully refusing to observe the illegal sit-at-home order foisted on them on Monday 6 November 2021.
“The swift response of troops compelled the attackers, mounted on two Sienna Buses and a Toyota Hilux truck to abandon their mission and withdrew in disarray. “Troops are currently on the trail of the criminals,” he said.
