JUST IN: Nigerian Army kills 4 IPOB terrorists, recovers bomb, charm [PHOTO]

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said it has eliminated four terrorists with allegiance to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Nigerian Army disclosed that while 16 civilians were rescued, at least five IPOB criminals were apprehended, and exhibits — including Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) and charms — recovered.

The Army gave this update at the Defence Headquarters conference room while providing its operational activities conducted in the past two weeks.

The press briefing was handled by Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director Defence Media Operations.

Danmadami said: “Troops and other security agents have sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in the South East zone of the Country.

“In furtherance to this, troops conducted operational activities in villages, forest, towns and cities of Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Imo States geared towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.

“Notably, on 31 January 2023 troops raided an Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal camp at Ovuru community forest in Uzo-Uwanni Local Government Area of Enugu State and recovered one AK47 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, one pump action gun, 31 rounds of cartridges, one locally made Improvised Explosive Device, one vehicle, battery, 2 solar panels, one wifi device and 3 hand held radios.

“Other items recovered are 2 radio chargers, 42 pairs of berrets, 9 pairs of blue uniform trousers, 11 belts, 12 mobile phones, gun powder and charms.

“Subsequently, in a follow up operation to another camp at Iyoun and Agubeji communiies of the same Local Government Area were raided and troops arrested 3 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.

“Also, on 28 January 2023, troops responded to credible information on Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist activities at County Primary School Amaruru in Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State and made contact with the terorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and destroyed 10 motorcycles. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle and destroyed the terrorist shrines including posters with inscription of ‘No ELECTION’. Equally while on patrol along Road Eha – Amufu – nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, troops arrested a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network collaborator. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was responsible for the recruitment and initiation of youth for the terrorist group as well as being a spy for the terrorist.

“Similarly, between 6 and 7 February 2023, troops raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist hideout in Nkalagu in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and Ugwuoba community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State respectively. During the operation troops arrested one suspected IPOB/ESN criminal informant. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one SMG, one teargas launcher, one locally made pistol, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 AK47 magazine, 260 rounds of 223 Remington ammunitions, Nigerian police uniforms, combats boots, solar panels, 15 fragmental jackets and 2 vehicles.

“Consequently, within the weeks under review, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one double barrel gun, one SMG, one tear gas launcher, 6 locally made pistol, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 AK47 magazines, 260 rounds of 223 Remington ammunitions, one travor 21 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 5.56mm ammo,11 expended cartridges, political banners, one vehicle, Nigerian police personnel uniforms, combat boots IPOB flyers , 3 motorcyles, and 2 mobile phones amongst others items. Troops equally neutralized 4 terrorists and arrested 9 terrorists.

“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”