Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army based in Obinze, Owerri, have obliterated the stronghold of notorious terrorists led by Monday Ogu, alias B44.
The aftermath of the operation revealed a grim discovery as the troops unearthed the remains of individuals believed to be victims of the terrorists, buried in shallow graves within the Ezioha community of Mbaitoli Council Area in Imo State.
Brigadier General Usman Lawal, the Brigade Commander, addressing journalists in the aftermath of the operation, highlighted the gallant efforts of his officers, guided by actionable intelligence reports.
According to Lawal, the terrorists had established their camp strategically along the banks of the Njaba River, spanning three council areas of Imo State—Njaba, Oru East, and Mbaitoli—where they perpetrated a slew of criminal activities.
According to him, some of the atrocities attributed to the terrorists included kidnapping for ransom, robbery of valuables belonging to kidnapping victims, incineration of their vehicles, and the grisly murder of their captives, with many victims interred in shallow graves.
Furthermore, the commander disclosed that the terrorists engaged in the wanton vandalism of vehicles owned by their victims, dismantling and selling off the vehicles’ parts before setting them ablaze beyond recognition.
Lawal urged residents of the state to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and relevant information that could aid in locating and neutralizing terrorists and other criminal elements operating within their communities.
He underscored the army’s commitment to eradicating the scourge of criminality and restoring tranquility to the affected communities, thereby enabling residents to resume their daily lives without fear or intimidation.
In the aftermath of the successful clearance operation, Lawal revealed that the army had initiated the meticulous process of forensic assessment on the exhumed remains of the victims.
According to him, this comprehensive examination aims to facilitate the identification of the deceased individuals, enabling their families to accord them a dignified and fitting burial.
