Orlu: Nigerian Military Addresses Operations In Imo State

The Nigerian military has begun operations in Orlu town in Owerri of Southeast Nigeria's Imo State, reportedly in search of the camps occupied by the personnel of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) linked with outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to Punch, residents as well as the army spokesperson of the 34 artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo state, Babatunde Zubairu, who confirmed the operation, said the locals were not being harassed.

Zubairu confirmed the deployment of helicopters and other military gadgets in the operations.

The army spokesperson said that the operation was an offshoot of military intelligence.

Recall AllNews had earlier reported that residents of Orlu refuted online reports that the Nigerian military's airstrikes are harming civilians.

Videos began circulating on social media on Thursday morning when some users posted clips showing jets flying over a Nigerian city and sounds of what seemed like gunfire could be heard beneath.

The persons taking the video accused Nigerian security forces of a deadly airstrike operation [in Orlu].

ESN, created on December 12, 2020, by Nnamdi Kanu, the diaspora-based leader of IPOB, a proscribed group canvassing for the secession of Eastern Nigeria, said it is intent on 'defending the territories of the region from terrorism and extra-judicial killings'.

Since its creation, it has faced aversion from South-East governors, and it has more than once been publicly tackled by Nigerian security operatives.

READ ALSO: What Nigerian Army Did In Orlu 'To Weaken' Nnamdi Kanu's ESN

AllNews reached out to Mohammed Yarima, the director of information of the Nigerian Army to comment on the latest Orlu claim online, but he directed us to Major-General John Enenche, the coordinator of Defence media operations. Efforts to reach General Enenche were unsuccessful.