Troops Neutralize IPOB/ESN Members in Imo, Recover Arms and Ammunition
By Matthew Eloyi
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ‘UDO KA’ have successfully neutralized four members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), including a commander of the group’s armed Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.
According to Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the Task Force’s spokesman, the operation, conducted based on reliable intelligence, targeted Udda, Ihittukwa, and Orsumoghu communities in the Orsu Local Government Area of the state. The troops dominated and captured the notorious stronghold of the IPOB/ESN at Mother Valley, despite attempts by the criminal elements to detonate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to halt their advance.
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In the encounter, four members of the group were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Among the neutralized was Tochukwu, also known as Aka Ojoto, the commander in charge of the Ihietukwa Command, who, despite wearing several charms, was taken down.
A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the hideouts, including an AK-47 Rifle with two magazines, two automatic pump-action guns, three handheld Baofeng radios, a laptop, and a Techno phone. Additionally, car keys, a quantity of suspected marijuana, Biafran currencies, five IEDs, materials for making explosive devices, batteries for detonation, and assorted charms were seized.
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the Force Commander, reiterated the Joint Task Force’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the South-East region. He urged citizens to provide timely, reliable, and credible information through the Toll-Free line 193 – Option 2.
The successful operation demonstrates the continued effort of security forces to combat criminal activities and maintain peace in the region