Nigerian Army neutralises IPOB/ESN terrorist, recovers arms and ammunition in Imo
The Nigerian Army has announced that it has successfully cleared a hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State, killing one terrorist and seizing various weapons and explosives.
According to a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the operation took place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local Government Area, after an intense firefight with the terrorists.
The statement said that the troops conducted a search in the hideout and recovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, eight rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun.
Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran currency, three solar street lights, three jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.
The statement also said that in a separate operation, the troops engaged the terrorists at a suspected crossing point in Akawa Nneato general area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, resulting in the terrorists fleeing into nearby bushes.
The troops exploited further after the shootout and recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two empty magazines and one FN rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
In another development, the troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists’ camps in the area. During the operation, the troops recovered three motorbikes, one PKT gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of desert boots. Other items recovered include three magazine carriers and one Boafeng radio.
The statement said that the troops have dominated the general area and are conducting further exploits in pursuit of the insurgents.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and said that it will continue to sustain operations to sanitize troubled areas and restore peace and stability in the country.
Nigerian Army neutralises IPOB/ESN terrorist, recovers arms and ammunition