Troops of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with personnel from Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have conducted a successful special clearance operation across the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa and Orsumoghu, along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala local councils of Imo and Anambra states, respectively, killing a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) commander.
The troops reportedly encountered members of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) who had been using the area as their hideout.Army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said: “On sighting troops, the insurgents employed guerrilla tactics, lobbing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from concealed positions, and riddling the roads with booby traps.
“Despite the terrorists’ guerrilla tactics, troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, employing superior firepower to neutralise notorious IPOB/ESN Ihiteukwa terrorist camp Commander known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto and two others.
“The operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics and personal effects of the terrorists. Notably, two undetonated and six detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials were captured by the gallant troops.
“The operation has dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region. The IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed.” In another operation in Cross River State, troops deployed for counter terrorism operations were engaged in a fierce gun battle with a group of suspected kidnappers.
According to General Nwachukwu, the encounter occurred in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Council. He said: “The troops, who were on routine patrol, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily, leaving behind two AK 47 rifles, six magazines, a variety of ammunition and three mobile phones. All the items have been recovered by the troops.”