Joint troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army and the Police have killed 3 combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the combatant were killed in a fierce encounter that ensued during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday.
He said the troops also destroyed several hideous camps used by members of the groups to perpetrate heinous crimes.
According to him, credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.
Gen Nwachukwu said on further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition.
“The Items recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle, One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun, One AK 47 Rifle, One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms”. He noted.
In a similar development, Gen Nwachukwu said in the early hours of Monday, same troops of 82 Division NA in synergy with the Police busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state.
He said the armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area, when the vigilant troops swooped on them.
According Gen Nwachukwu, the armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp were however defeated in the fire fight that followed.
He said the troops responded with overwhelming fire power, neutralizing three of the fighters, while others fled in disarray.
The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.
The army public relation officer, therefore, called on members of the public to continue to support the security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.
