•Troops kill three IPOB members, lose one soldier
The Army yesterday night said it has launched a search and rescue operation for one of its soldiers abducted in Ohafia area of Abia State.
Three members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed by troops, while a soldier paid the supreme price.
The Service said the soldier identified as Staff Sergeant Bassey Ikunugwan, was officially on leave pass when he was abducted by gunmen
Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, also refuted the trending report that troops invaded Amangu community in Abia State.
The Army spokesman said that during the search and rescue operations, on November 4, troops deployed at Okon Aku in Abia State came in contact with members of the armed group, neutralised one of the criminals and recovered one AK 47 rifle, a loaded magazine and one mobile phone.
“In a follow up operation on 5 November 2022, troops raided another enclave of the groups around Amangu Village in Abia State. During the operation, troops neutralized two of the criminals, while some fled with gunshot wounds. Troops recovered two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, four Pump Action guns, one locally made Pistol, one Sniper rifle, six magazines, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) and one Motorcycle.
Other items recovered from the dissidents are 2 CCTV cameras, one solar panel, flags, one walkie-talkie, 2 mobile phones, two pamphlets of Biafran anthem, one INEC box, 12 face caps, machetes, pairs of combat boots, pairs of rain boot, camouflage uniforms, one transistor radio, two jungle hats, two knee guards, one power bank, one INEC image capturing machine and a PVC. Sadly, during these engagements, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice,” the statement further revealed.
The NA he said will leave no stone unturned in the search of the abducted soldier.
General Nwachukwu however, assured the public that all operations will be conducted within the ambit of the law and in line with global best practices, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conducts guiding NA operations.
“It should be clear to all that criminal acts of attack on and abduction of service personnel is an act against the State which will not go without consequences. The recourse to employment of propaganda by these criminal elements will not deter the Army from carrying out its constitutional mandate. Law abiding citizens of Amangu community are also advised to go about their legitimate businesses without panic, as the military is always on ground to protect lives and properties,” the statement concluded.