Troops eliminate IPOB/ESN fighters in Abia, Enugu, recover arms cache
In a successful joint operation between the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police, three combatants from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were neutralized during a fierce encounter.
This encounter took place during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday, September 18, 2023, at Igboro Forest, located between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas in Abia State.
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According to a press release issued by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the troops swiftly destroyed numerous hideouts utilized by these groups to carry out various criminal activities.
These hidden camps were discovered after weeks of credible surveillance unveiled IPOB/ESN’s use of the forest as a combat training ground and a base for planning and launching attacks on civilians, security personnel, and government facilities in the state.
Further exploration of the camp led to the recovery of various weapons and ammunition. The items retrieved include an improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle, an improvised 12 MBRL Gun, an improvised 6 MBRL Gun, one AK-47 Rifle, one Dane Gun, six locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, one Baofeng Radio, military camouflage uniforms, and assorted charms.
In a similar development on the same day, September 18, 2023, troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, acted on credible intelligence to bust an IPOB/ESN hideout in Ezioha Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
These armed fighters were planning to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order in the area when vigilant troops swiftly engaged them.
The armed fighters, upon sighting the approaching troops, opened fire but were decisively defeated in the ensuing firefight. Three of the fighters were neutralized, while the others fled in disarray. The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and ten Machetes from the fleeing fighters.
Members of the public are urged to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.
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