By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier and a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have sustained injuries following an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:35 a.m. on March 18 during a joint operation by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in the Orsu general area.
The sources said the personnel were operating around a suspected hideout of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), when they stepped on a concealed pressure-activated IED.
The device detonated, leaving both operatives injured. They were immediately administered first aid and subsequently evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.
This is just as the joint security forces have intensified ongoing offensive operations in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo, leading to the discovery and destruction of multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 9:30 a.m. on March 19 along the Eketutu–Uda community axis by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to the sources, troops first discovered and safely detonated one IED along the Eketutu Market–Uda axis during the operation.
“Further advance along the axis led to the discovery of eight additional IEDs, which were carefully disconnected and recovered by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team,” the source said.
He added that all the recovered devices were subsequently defused and destroyed in-situ to prevent any threat to troops and residents.
The sources said troops also exploited the general area and identified a suspected hideout, where a thorough search led to the recovery of six live cartridges, three batteries suspected to be components for IED-making, a black face mask and an unserviceable handheld radio.
They added that the operation was ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on criminal elements in the area.
The coordinated operation is part of sustained efforts by security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, neutralise threats and restore normalcy in the South-East.
