SOUTH EAST INSECURITY: Black Spots Revealed where Gunmen Reign, Security Men Focus on Extortion on Highways

 

Many communities across the South East have severe security issues, making people avoid traveling to their villages for ceremonies like burials and weddings. This situation worsened after the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the Department of State Services (DSS). The region saw an increase in violence after IPOB declared a sit-at-home every Monday, forcing people to stay indoors or face violence. Several police stations were set on fire by Biafra agitators to demand Kanu’s release. [VANGUARD]

As the insurgents went underground, they established hideouts in forests across the region, leading to the rise of "unknown gunmen." In Anambra, for example, gunmen set up camps in places like Amichi, Ukpor, Iseke, Azia, Orsumoghu, and Ubuluisiuzor, which are now considered no-go zones. Other camps exist across Ose Akwa River in Ihiala, Anaku, Ukwulu, and Nawgu, and these forests serve as detention centers for kidnapped victims.

The 35-kilometer stretch from Amichi through Ukpor to Isekke had been abandoned by security operatives for the last three years. There used to be multiple police checkpoints along this road, but they have all been abandoned, with security personnel now extorting motorists in other areas.

In Abia, the Umunneochi area houses one of the most feared camps, near a military checkpoint, where kidnappers pass through without interference. In Imo, insurgents also operate from Okigwe/Ihube forest, and there have been occasional robberies along the Abia-Enugu boundary.

Despite numerous checkpoints, criminals continue to strike. The former Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Aderemi Adeoye, explained that the government exercises restraint to avoid collateral damage to innocent civilians, though he indicated that patience was wearing thin.

Some residents, like Cletus Nwakire from Lilu, believe security forces could eliminate the insurgents if they chose to. There are calls for more aerial surveillance using helicopters and drones to monitor the black spots and curb insecurity.

In some parts of the South East, such as Umunneochi-Isuikwuato, insecurity has decreased following special operations like "Operation Flush." However, there are still occasional incidents, and many of the kidnappings are attributed to criminals operating across state borders, particularly from forests in neighboring Imo State.