Personnel of the Nigerian Army have killed an Indigenous People of Biafra’s fighter during a fierce gunbattle in the Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The troops after overpowering the fighters conducted a clearance operation on their hideout.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops recovered three Improvised Explosive Devices and other arms and ammunition.
The statement read, “Nigerian Army troops have successfully cleared IPOB/ESN hideout at Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, neutralising one IPOB/ESN Terrorist after an intense firefight on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
“On overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops searched their hideout and recovered three IEDs, one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, eight rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, and one locally fabricated single barrel gun. Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniforms, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, three solar street lights, three jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.”
He also said troops encountered IPOB fighters in Abia state.
Onyema added that the fighters fled their hideout as a result, stating that weapons were recovered there.
“In a separate operation, conducted by troops at a suspected IPOB/ESN crossing point in Akawa Nneato general area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, own troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering in disarray into nearby bushes.
“On exploiting further after the shootout, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two empty magazines, and one FN Rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition,” the statement added.
Onyema also said troops cleared the Kaduna forest and destroyed several terrorist camps.
He said, “In another development, troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State have cleared and destroyed a series of terrorist camps in the area. During the operation, troops recovered three motorbikes, one PKT Gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage, and a pair of desert boots. Other items recovered include three magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio. “
He noted that troops had dominated the area and were on the trail of the insurgents.
