EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Defence Headquarters on Thursday said it neutralised a total of 12 insurgents of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
During a press briefing on troops’ activities in the various operational theatres within the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, the Army said the feat was achieved between December 22 and today (Thursday).
The slain insurgents were said to be among those terrorising Imo state.
“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,” Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media operations, said.
“In furtherance to this, troops conducted operational activities in villages, forests, towns and cities of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States geared towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.
“Notably, on 25 December 2022, troops in conjunction with other security agents raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra camp at Obowo and Aboh Mbiase Local Government Area in Imo State. However, the criminals fled on sighting the troops.
“Troops exploited the general area and recovered 1 locally made RPG tube, 3 locally made RPG bombs, 2 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 58 rounds of MK2 ammo, 9 canisters, 2 AK47 magazines, 2 pump actions cartridges, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Dane gun, 3 pairs of combat boots, 11 vests, 2 vehicles and 7 mobile phones among other items.”
Danmadami added: “Furthermore, on 31 December 2022, troops had an encounter with the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals at their checkpoint along Owerri Orlu road in Mbatoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
“Following the encounter, troops neutralized 5 criminals and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 dynamites, 4 AK47 magazines, 2 FN magazines, and 2 vehicles, among other items.
“Also, on the same day, troops acted on credible information on the convergence of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and raided a hotel along Okigwe-Umahia in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State and arrested 16 suspected criminals.
“Troops searched the general area and recovered 2 locally made pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 1 brownie pistol, 2 MK2 magazines and other sundry items.
“Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 3 Dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 1 double barrel rifle, 2 locally made pistols, 1 RPG tube 3 locally made RPG bombs with tubes, 6 AK47 magazines, 3 FN magazines, 2 MK2 magazines, 55 rounds of MK2 ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 43 rounds of 7.62mm special.
“Other items recovered include 11 vests, 3 pairs of combat boots, 9 canisters, 3 dynamites, boafeng radio, 7 Eastern Security Network vests, 9 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among other items.
“Troops also neutralized 7 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and arrested 6.
“All recovered items and apprehended suspects were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”
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