Troops Dislodge Ipob Members In Abia, Kill Three

In a joint operation, troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police have successfully neutralized three combatants affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed counterpart, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The confrontation occurred during a rigorous clearance operation conducted in the early hours of Monday within the Igboro Forest, situated between the Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state, as reported in an official statement by the army. Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army Spokesman, signed the statement, confirming that the deadly encounter resulted in the elimination of the IPOB members. Following the successful engagement, the security forces wasted no time in dismantling several concealed camps used by these groups to carry out various criminal activities. The statement read in part, “The camps were uncovered, after several weeks of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state. “On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others. The Items recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle, One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun, One AK 47 Rifle, One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms. “In a similar development that also took place in the early hours of today, 18 September 2023, same troops of 82 Division NA in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acting on credible intelligence busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state. The armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area, when the vigilant troops swooped on them. “The armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp were however defeated in the fire fight that followed, as the troops responded with overwhelming fire power, neutralizing three of the fighters, while others fled in disarray. The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters. ”