ESN: Nigerian Military Conducts Air Strikes In Imo Targeting ESN

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 helicopters were deployed for the mission.

“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 had said.

“Nigerian soldiers are currently conducting aerial strikes in our areas. Many innocent lives may be lost. They are probably looking for ESN operatives who are checking the activities of killer Fulani herdsmen,” a community head told SaharaReporters.

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“People’s homes and market places may be affected. We don’t need aircraft in Orlu. They should go and find the stolen school pupils in Niger State,” another angry resident said.

“I have the video. There was an aircraft firing shots possibly in a nearby bush. Very reckless of the airforce; civilians are all over the place,” another person said.

Soldiers and ESN members clashed in January in Orlu, forcing the governor Hope Uzodimma to declare curfew.