Tobias Sylvester
The Nigerian Army have deployed many soldiers in some parts of Onitsha, Anambra State, to arrest Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives who are wreaking havoc in the state.
According to SaharaReporters, there is a heavy military presence since on Monday evening at Atani Road, Upper Iweka in Onitsha, and on Onitsha-Owerri Road – with roadblocks for possible stop-and-search.
The military men were reportedly deployed to arrest ESN operatives who have been alleged to be the rampaging gunmen killing security operatives and carting away heavy arms and ammunition from police stations in the state.
“There is a heavy military presence in Onitsha. Some roads have been blocked and areas cordoned off by the troops. It is obvious they are looking for ESN and other militias. The military is enraged over the continuous killings by gunmen in Anambra.
“There is no movement around Enamel Junction, and also on Onitsha-Owerri yesterday evening as the soldiers blocked everywhere. The shooting was much,” a source said.
“I also got information from my driver that Atani and Obodo Ukwu roads were affected,” another resident narrated.
“The ESN militias are alleged to be behind the attacks on army and navy units in Awkuzu and Onitsha. The military even lost some of their weapons during the attacks. The troops deployed are looking for ESN and Indigenous People of Biafra members,” another source stated.
Last week, rampaging gunmen attacked some police stations in the state, killing policemen and carting away heavy arms and ammunition from police stations.
The gunmen killed policemen in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area at a checkpoint, while three weeks ago, they killed about four policemen in Nkpologwu in Aguata.
The military was not spared also as the gunmen killed soldiers at an outpost in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area in Anambra.
KanyiDaily had also reported how ESN operatives had a bloody clash with the Nigerian Army in Orlu, Imo State, where many people were reportedly killed and property destroyed.
