Army Destroys IPOB Ritual Shrine, Arrests Three in Abia
Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a ritual shrine allegedly used by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid on criminal hideouts in Abia State, arresting three suspects linked to kidnapping activities.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 14 Brigade under Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace in the South-East.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the raid followed credible intelligence indicating that the forested areas of Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State had been serving as a hideout for suspected kidnappers and members of outlawed armed groups.
Ayeni said the troops stormed several locations within the forest where they discovered a shrine allegedly used for ritual practices and spiritual fortification by the suspects.
The shrine was subsequently destroyed by the troops to prevent it from being used as a sanctuary for criminal activities.
During the operation, three suspects believed to be involved in kidnapping and ritual activities were arrested. Security authorities said the suspects had been on a watch list over their alleged involvement in violent crimes in the area.
Items recovered during the raid include mobile phones, ATM cards, identity cards, machetes, empty ammunition shells, a motorcycle and a bag containing substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The Army said the arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities also disclosed that troops have continued combing the Olokoro forest and surrounding communities in search of other suspected criminal camps, weapons and collaborators linked to kidnapping syndicates operating in the region.
The operation forms part of broader joint security efforts by the military and other agencies to dismantle armed groups and criminal gangs blamed for attacks, kidnappings and violent activities across parts of the South-East.
