Tag: IPOB/ESN fighters

  • Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes in the South-East and South-South with the dislodgement of IPOB/ESN fighters from key enclaves and the arrest of suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of Operation UDO KA successfully dislodged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters from their hideouts in the Mother Valley general area of Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the terrorists were massing to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order within the area on Feb. 2.

    According to him, ground troops, supported by air assets, conducted coordinated offensive operations which forced the terrorists to flee into surrounding forests.

    “Radio intercepts and aerial surveillance suggested that several of the fighters were neutralised during the engagement, while troops have continued to dominate the area to intercept fleeing or wounded elements.

    “Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, troops acting on intelligence discovered a mass burial site at Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    “The site contained corpses of victims suspected to have been killed during previous attacks on surrounding communities.

    Read Also: Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    “One of the victims, identified as a recently missing person, was evacuated to a morgue in Afikpo for preservation and further investigation,” he said.

    In the South-South, the source said the troops of 4 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, apprehended five suspected kidnappers during a raid at Agbede Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

    He said the operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, five mobile phones and a power bank believed to be linked to kidnapping activities.

    According to him, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further action.

    The source said the sustained operations reflected continued pressure on criminal and secessionist elements, improved intelligence fusion and an unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and normalcy across the South-East and South-South regions.

    (NAN)

  • Troops kill five IPOB/ESN fighters in Imo, rescue 15 kidnap victims in Zamfara

    Troops kill five IPOB/ESN fighters in Imo, rescue 15 kidnap victims in Zamfara

    Troops on operations in South East Nigeria have killed five Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) during a firefight that ensued at Ejemekuru in Oguta local government area of Imo state.

    The troops, made up of personnel of the Nigerian Army and Navy, also recovered a “significant cache of dangerous weapons” in the operation conducted on March 1.

    Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, March 6.

    Read Also; Tinubu congratulates AfDB president, Adesina for winning Awolowo prize for leadership

    According to him, some of the weapons recovered include an AK-47 rifle, two Pump-action Semi-automatic rifles, one locally fabricated gun, two magazines, and three rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

    Nwachukwu also said that, on the same day, troops on a counterterrorism operation in North West Nigeria rescued 15 kidnap victims.

    He said the victims were rescued in the Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara state, after a distress call by members of the community.

    He said: “The vigilant troops responded swiftly to the distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene of the incident where they engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, overpowering and compelling them to abandon their victims, as they scampered into the forest.”

    According to Nwachukwu, all the 15 abductees were rescued unharmed.