Nigerian Troops Kill Two IPOB/ESN Commanders in Abia, Imo

Oluwatobi OdeyinkaJuly 22, 20242 Mins read439

Nigerian troops of the Joint Task Force South-East have neutralised two commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo and Abia states.

The task force comprises personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police, Department of State Service, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. They raided camps of IPOB/ESN during the weekend in an operation code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’, in the Southeast region.

According to a statement issued on Monday on Operation UDO KA’s social media platform, it was disclosed that the troops recovered arms and ammunition in the camps they raided.

The statement noted that the raids were in continuation of clearance operations to deter the activities of the IPOB and its armed affiliate the ESN within the South-East.

The camps raided were located in Ezioha-Eziama village in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Others were in Okigwe and Ummuneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia states.

The statement read: “The troops confronted and raided the camp of notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, Lucio Agu (aka B44) in the forested valley between Umuaka, Ezioha and Awomama communities.

“During the firefight troops neutralised two IPOB/ESN Commanders known as Asari and Mazi; while others fled with different degrees of gunshot wounds.

“During the encounter, items recovered included; two AK 47 rifles with three magazines, quantity of 102 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, CCTV Cameras and assorted charms.

“In the same vein, troops of Sector 3 of Operation UDO KA also destroyed IPOB/ESN Camp at Ezere Forest between Umuawa and Aku settlements that spans Okigwe and Ummuneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia states.”

According to the statement, items recovered include one General Purpose Machine (GPM) gun and assorted rounds of ammunition, four motorcycles and four radios.

The taskforce appealed to the people of South-East to cooperate with it and security agencies by giving credible and timely information that will help to fight insecurity and criminality in the region.

“Please note that any relevant information should be passed to Operation UDO KA by dialling *193* and press *Option 2’* on your phone.

“The Joint Task Force South East, code-named Operation UDO KA will continue to carry out its constitutional roles of safeguarding lives and property in line with global best practice as laid down in the rules of engagement guiding its operations.”

ABUTH Doctors Begin 5-day Strike Over Salary Issues