Nigerian troops have raided a suspected IPOB-linked criminal camp in Abator, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recovering firearms, ammunition, electronic equipment and materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices.

The operation, conducted on October 1, followed the rescue of three abducted persons in the Osakwa General Area of Ihiala Local Government Area.

The rescue prompted a coordinated security response involving troops of the 185 Battalion and local security volunteers.

At about 5:30 a.m., the troops launched a follow-up operation which resulted in the arrest of a suspected member of the kidnapping syndicate identified as Sunday Obi.

During interrogation, Obi reportedly disclosed the location of the syndicate’s camp at Abator, across the Isieke waterside in Ogbaru LGA.

Acting on the intelligence, the troops and local security volunteers mobilised canoes to cross the river and penetrate the dense forest where the suspected criminals were believed to be operating.

Despite the difficult terrain, the joint force advanced towards the camp and engaged the occupants on arrival.

The suspected criminals reportedly fled into the surrounding forest, with some said to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

A search of the abandoned camp led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other items, including firearms, ammunition, electronic equipment and materials suspected to be associated with improvised explosive device production.

The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to disrupt kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of Anambra State.