Two Soldiers Killed as Nigerian Army Clashes with IPOB/ESN in Imo

• Nigerian Army Confirms Death of Two Soldiers in Clash with ESN Operatives in Imo State
• Army Forces ESN to Retreat in Violent Clash, Recover Multiple Weapons
• Nigerian Army Intensifies Pursuit of ESN Militants After Deadly Attack in Imo State

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers following an attack by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the attack occurred on Friday in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on Saturday, the incident unfolded when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN assault on the Osina community.

The Army engaged the attackers with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

While the Army did not specify the number of casualties on the IPOB/ESN side, it confirmed the loss of two soldiers and reported that weapons were stolen during the confrontation.

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The Army condemned IPOB and ESN, labeling them as “dissidents” and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security in the South-East region.

The statement reads, “Unfortunately, two security agents were killed in action, and one other went missing. Their weapons, an AK-47 rifle and a Tear Gas Launcher, were carted away by the terrorists.” The bodies of the slain soldiers were recovered, and troops continued their pursuit of the fleeing attackers.

The Army reported that contact was made with the IPOB/ESN elements in Nkwachi Community, resulting in a firefight where one dissident was neutralized. The remaining attackers retreated into the nearby forest. The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine during the encounter.

The pursuit continued deep into the Umalouma forest, where another intense firefight took place. The attackers abandoned their weapons and fled with gunshot injuries.

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The troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, a Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines. A total of six AK-47 rifles and a Tear Gas Launcher were recovered.

The Army stated that further operations are ongoing, with troops continuing to track the injured militants. It urged IPOB/ESN members and other criminals to surrender or face the consequences.

The statement concluded by appealing to the people of Imo State for continued support, emphasizing the need for timely intelligence to eliminate criminal elements from the region.

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