By Ebere Suzy
Joint Military security operation team in Nnewi North Council Area of Anambra State set ablaze the camps of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The Joint Task force comprising the army, police, State Security Service (SSS), Navy and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also raided some criminal hideouts in Nnewi North Local Government Area arresting five suspected criminals and Indian hemp dealers including a woman.
Leader of the team ,Anambra State DCP Operations, Agyole Abeh who was represented said the exercise was in line with Governor Willie Obiano’s resolve to rid the major cities in Anambra State of criminals and all forms of anti-social activities .
Some of the flashpoints raided included Mbuze (an erosion site) which is said to be the den of men of the underworld in Uruagu quarter, Oduda Nnewichi and Obiofia.
At Oduda Nnewichi, the MASSOB’s camp was raided and allegedly set ablaze and items said to be recovered there were Biafran flags, attendance register, military wears, caps and items suspected to be charms even as a suspect was arrested there.
The team also recovered seven polythene bags of Indian hemp at Obiofia and other incriminating items.
MASSOB National Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha said it was unfortunate and saw no reason or justification for the raid.
He said that the military wears allegedly recovered from the MASSOB’s camp were the properties of the organisation.
“It is very unfortunate that our camp was raided and there was no reason for that even though we support the effort of the security Joint Task Force to rid state but particularly Onitsha of criminals, which should not be extended to us because we are not criminals.
“There is no reason for that raid. Those uniforms they said they recovered from us were not Nigerian army or any of the force’s uniforms. They are Biafran security uniforms. They are neither arms nor ammunition. So nothing justifies that military action against us. We have committed no offense,” Mocha explained.
