Joint security forces have intensified operations in Orsu LGA of Imo state, leading to the discovery and destruction of multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade conducted the exercise in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Citing security sources, the publication said the operation was carried out at about 9:30am on Thursday, March 19, along the Eketutu–Uda community axis. Zagazola said the troops initially 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,” a security source was quoted as saying. All recovered devices were said to have been subsequently defused and destroyed to eliminate any threat to troops and residents. The troops also combed the area and identified a suspected hideout, where a 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. The coordinated exercise is part of efforts by security agencies to dismantle armed groups, neutralise threats in the south-east.
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