The Department of State Services (DSS) has alleged that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is moving bombs and explosives to Imo state.
In a letter dated April 26, 2021 and sent to the brigade commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo capital, the DSS alleged that the action of the group is to further destabilise the state.
The letter was reportedly titled, ‘Movement of explosive devices into the state by IPOB/ESN’ and signed by one I. Abdullah on behalf of the state director of the DSS.
According to The PUNCH, the DSS said an intelligence report revealed that the group was moving the explosives from Lagos to an unconfirmed location in Orlu LGA of the state.
The DSS reportedly said the explosive items are being concealed in articulated vehicles to prevent detection and beat security checks on the road.
“Intelligence revealed that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network has acquired bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices with which to further their subversive activities,” the letter said.
“It was reliably gathered that the newly acquired items are currently being conveyed from Lagos to an unconfirmed location in Orlu Local Government Area.
The items are being concealed in articulated/heavy-duty vehicles to beat security checks along the road. It was further revealed that the group intends to deploy the explosives in their planned attacks on security/government installations across the state.”
The proscribed group said arms used by its Eastern Security Network (ESN) are produced locally.
While reacting to claims that it was planning to launch attacks on banks to acquire money for arms, Emma Powerful, IPOB media and publicity secretary, said the group produces arms locally and cannot engage in any criminal activities to acquire money for weapons.
“We are not looking for money to buy arms because we produce our arms locally and cannot attack or kidnap anybody for ransom,” the group had said.
There has been a spike in attacks targeting security agents, public infrastructure and individuals in Imo.
Earlier in the month, gunmen razed the Police state command headquarters in the state and attacked the prison facility, setting free over one thousand inmates.
Last Saturday, gunmen attack he country home of Hope Uzodinma, the state governor, killing two security men on duty.
Also on Monday evening, the Okigwe south police command in Ehime Mbano LGA of the state was razed by gunmen.
Five officers were reportedly killed by the attackers when they invaded the station.