The Nigerian Army has reopened the Lilu–Eketutu Road, which links Imo and Anambra states, after being closed for over three years due to attacks by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Police, State Security Service, and Civil Defence Corps, carried out operations to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and restore security along the route.
In a statement on Friday, Olabisi Ayeni, acting deputy director of army public relations for the 82 Division, said the road had been a “lifeline” for local communities, enabling the movement of people, goods, and services. He added that IEDs planted by militants had rendered the route unsafe for years.
“During the operations, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists safely disconnected and recovered several IEDs, preventing potential casualties and reopening the road to residents,” Mr Ayeni said.
“The facility was thoroughly exploited, leading to the recovery of several items, including Biafran flags and insignia, several rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, and pipes used for priming IEDs.
“Other items recovered included pistol magazines containing rounds of ammunition, double-barrel guns, and CCTV cameras, as well as multiple clips and electrical wires suspected to have been used in the fabrication of explosive devices.”
The army said its operations aim to enable displaced residents to return home safely and to maintain pressure on criminal networks threatening security in the South-East. Mr Ayeni urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to help dismantle these syndicates.
