The Defence Headquarters has said that officers of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have neutralised five members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the elimination of the armed separatists happened on October 27 at Orsumoghu village in Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA)of Anambra State.
This development was made known during a press briefing by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations on Armed Forces of Nigeria’s military operations held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The press conference gave account of the operational activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies conducted in addressing the various security challenges across the country between October 20 and November 3.
“In a continuous effort to eliminate criminal elements in the South Eastern Zone of the Country, troops and other security agencies have not relented on their constitutional mandate in tackling insecurity in the zone,” Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director, Defence Media Operation, said.
“Notably, on 20 October 2022, troops while on duty at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were attacked by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals. Troops however, repelled the attack and arrested 1 of the criminals, recovered 2 pistols and 4 rounds of 9mm ammo.
“Also, on 24 October 2022, troops and Nigerian Police personnel on fighting patrol around Nkwere forest in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State came in contact with suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals mounted on SUVs and motorcycles, who fled on sighting troops.
“Troops pursued the criminals and engaged with superior fire, forcing them to abandon their vehicles and motorcycles. Troops exploited the area and recovered 2 SUV vehicles, 3 motorcycles, cooking utensils amongst others. All recovered items are in troops custody for further necessary action.
“Furthermore, troops conducted a clearance operation at the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network Camp at Amu Agba community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and contacted the criminals who fled following a fire fight. Troops exploited area and recovered 4 motorcycles, 32 rounds of 5.56mm, 1 round of 7.62mm NATO, 1 locally fabricated pistol, 1 dane gun and 4 IEDs amongst others.
“Also, on 27 October 2022 troops in conjunction with Nigeria Police and Department of State Service conducted clearance operation on the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network camp at Orsumoghu village in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Troops made contact with criminals and in a fire fight neutralized 5 criminals, arrested 2 and recovered 1 Ak47 rifle, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 dane gun, 4 locally fabricated composite Improvise Explosive Devices, 1 single barrel rifle, 15 locally fabricated mortar tubes, 1 pistol hoister, military uniforms, 1 motorcycles, 1 power generating set among others.”
See some photos from the press briefing below:
