BREAKING: Nigerian Army kills 13 IPOB/ESN gunmen, recovers INEC materials [PHOTOS]

The Nigerian Army on Thursday said it has eliminated 13 insurgents of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the last two weeks.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Army said the exploit was recorded in Abia and Anambra states.

This was disclosed in a press briefing by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations on Armed Forces of Nigeria’s military operations held at the Defence Headquarters’ New Conference Room.

The briefing, coordinated by Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director, Defence Media Operations, covered operational activities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies conducted across the country between November 3 and today (Thursday, November 17).

Security forces said they arrested six IPOB insurgents, including their herbalist.

Equally, they recovered eight AK47 rifles, seven pump action guns, three locally-made pistols, one sniper rifle, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, eight rounds of 9mm ammunition, five cartridges, three pairs of combat boots, two pairs of camouflage uniforms and two camouflage jungle hats.

Other items recovered include: two CCTV cameras, one Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) image capturing machine, one INEC box, two walkie-talkies, a transistor radio, three solar panels, motorcycles, vehicles among other items.

“Troops conducted operational activities in villages, forest and communities of identified enclaves and hideouts of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo States respectively.

“Notably, on 3 November 2022, troops responded to human intelligence on an abduction incident along Road Okwun-Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

“Consequently, acting on credible intelligence report troops embarked on a search and rescue operation at the Amangu village forest having confirmed same as Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network enclave where the abductee was suspected to have been held hostage.

“During the search and rescue operations, contact was made resulting in exchange of fire, troops neutralised 2 criminals while other fled. Troops exploited the area and recovered 2 dane guns.

“Equally, troops raided another Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Amangu community in the same Local Government Area, during the firefight, troops neutralized 2 criminals while others fled.

“Following the operation 3 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 1 sniper rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 round of 7.62mm NATO, 6 AK47 magazines, 4 pairs of combat boots, 2 pairs of camouflage uniforms, 2 camouflage jungle hats, 2 CCTV cameras, I transistor radio and a solar panel were recovered. Other item recovered include 2 walkie-talkies, 1 INEC image-capturing machine, 1 INEC box, and 2 motorcycles among other items.

“Similarly, on 4 November 2022, troops on fighting patrol came in contact with the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals at Okon-Aku community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

“During the encounter troops neutralized 3 criminals while others fled. Troops also recovered 3 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 4 cartridges among other items.

“Furthermore, on 12 November 2022, troops at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State came in contact with the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals, troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight and in the process 5 of the terrorists were neutralized and a Toyota Venza was recovered with a boafeng radio and 1 handset,” Major-General Danmadami said.