(Army Press Release) In the determination of the 82 Division Nigerian Army, to kèep the public abreast of its activities, especially on Exercise EGWU EKE 11, periodic updates on the Exercise and any other issue of public interest is regularly provided.
Consequently, between the 22 to 29 September 2017, the following are some of the specific achievements of Exercise EGWU EKE 11 in the South Eastern Region:
PATROLS & RAIDS OF CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS
Regular patrols and raids of suspected criminal hideouts in the South Eastern States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi , Enugu, Imo and some parts of Cross River States resulted in the arrest of armed robbers, kidnappers and recovery of some arms and ammunition as well as four vehicles.
Specifically, following credible information of armed robbery activity where a Toyota Corolla car was snatched at gun point in Owerri township, troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector Delta (145 Battalion), in 34 Brigade Area of Responsibility on a check point along Owerri – Umuahia road encountered the bandits, recovered the vehicle and one of the robbers lost his life in an exchange of fire, while three robbers escaped in to the bush and abandoned the vehicle (Toyota Corolla) and a mercedes benz car in the process. The incident happened at about 1740 hours on the 28th September 2017.
In the same vein, based on intelligence, troops of Sector 1 and operatives of the State Security Service at about 0023 on 29 September, 2017 raided the house and arrested a notorious kidnapper one Emmanuel Uyebuchi Oyenkore from Umuode village, Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect confessed to the separate abduction of two Indians and collected Three Million Naira (in the first case), and Eight Million Naira in the second incident respectively.
The following items were recovered during the search operation; 2x cars
1x AK 47 Rifle, 1x Pump Action Rifle and 2x Magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62 MM Special ammunition.
The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the Department of State Security for further action.
Similarly, at about 2100 hours on the 28th September 2017, troops of Sector 1, Charlie Company, based on a tip off intercepted the kidnap of Mr Afam Ogochukwu at Umuma in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State. On sighting a patrol team trailing behind them, the kidnappers detoured to the forest and went away with the victim leaving behind a Toyota Camry car.
Furthermore, based on intelligence troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 4 (342 Artillery Regiment Area of Responsibility) raided a cultists hideout in Ohaji Egbema area of Imo State. The raid led to the recovery of the following;
1x locally made pistol, 1xlocally made single barrel gun, 1x double barrel gun, 11xlive cartridges and a cartridge link belt.
In related development, following sustained manhunt of kidnappers, robbers and cultists in Ohaji Egbema community of Imo State, three notorious cult leaders have reported themselves to Sub Sector 4 Operational Headquarters where they renounced cultism and surrendered 3x locally made single barrel gun.
In addition, troops of Sector 1, (14 Brigade) on a check point have arrested one Jonah Ukpai of Nguzu Eda community in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State on the 29th September 2017. He was in possession of 2 x parcels containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect and the substance have been handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ohafia Command in Ohafia LGA of Abia State for further action.
EXERCISE EGWU EKE 11 FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH SO FAR
As part of the Exercise, an elaborate generous Medical Outreach has been successfully conducted in Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
A total of Five Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty One (5261) people have so far benefitted from the Exercise from the three States indicated.
One peculiar aspects of this Exercise is the provision of food items( rice) to the locals, biscuits and chocolates to primary schools pupils in the benefitting communities.
Again, as part if the programme of the Exercise, the outreach 1would be extended to Abia and Anambra States respectively.
Being the text of update by Colonel Sagir Musa, Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division