Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, based in Obinze, Owerri, confirmed the death of two security agents during a raid by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Brigade’s Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Joseph Akubo, the attack occurred on Friday, December 27, 2024.
The troops were returning from a routine patrol when they responded to a distress call regarding an IPOB/ESN assault on Osina. Upon arrival, they engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat. Unfortunately, two security agents lost their lives during the confrontation.
“The corpses of the slain agents were recovered as the troops pursued the fleeing assailants,” Akubo said.
A subsequent encounter occurred in the Nkwachi Community, where one IPOB/ESN member was neutralized. The remaining attackers, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower, fled into the Umalouma forest, sustaining severe injuries.
During the operations, the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle, five magazines, and a tear gas launcher. Further exploitation of the area is ongoing as troops intensify efforts to track and apprehend the remaining criminals.
Akubo called on IPOB/ESN members and other criminal elements to surrender or face severe consequences. He assured residents of the military’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful Yuletide season in Imo State.
Additionally, the army appealed to peace-loving residents to provide timely intelligence on the hideouts and activities of criminals to enhance security operations in the region.
The raid underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to tackle insecurity and maintain law and order in southeastern Nigeria.
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