Army Says IPOB, ESN Fighters Surrender Arms In South-East

The Nigerian Army says sustained operations in the South-East have forced some IPOB and Eastern Security Network fighters to surrender weapons.

Vanguard, Daily Post and Punch all reported the development from an Army statement on operations by the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA.

The reports said the separate intelligence-led operations led to the surrender of arms and the recovery of weapons and an improvised explosive device. Punch reported that the Army said some militants surrendered their weapons, while troops recovered additional arms during follow-up operations.

Daily Post reported that the Army linked the outcome to pressure from troops in the region. Vanguard said the military described the surrenders as part of the effect of continued operations against the proscribed groups.

The reports did not list a full roll call of the fighters said to have surrendered. They also did not include a response from IPOB or ESN.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post, Punch