Joint Forces bursts IPOB/ESN hideouts, recovers artillery guns in Abia, Enugu states
Joint security forces of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police have bursted hideouts of the faction Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in physical combat at Igboro Forest in Abia state.
The fierce battle that occurred in the early hours of today resulted in neutralisation of three (3) combatants of the terrorist group.
After several weeks of close observation and continuous monitoring by security personnel, it was discovered that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a training ground for members to launch attacks on targeted civilians and government agencies and properties.
Several weapons and ammunition were recovered, including one improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) gun mounted on a vehicle, one improvised 12 MBRL gun, one improvised 6 MBRL gun, one AK 47 rifle, one Dane gun, 6 locally made rocket launchers, four improvised explosive devices, five fragmental jackets, one baofeng radio, military camouflage uniforms and several assorted charms.
In a related development, combined troops of NA and NPF also bursted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state following credible intelligence which revealed that the terrorist group were planning their enforced regular Monday illegal sit-at-home order.
“The armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp were however defeated in the fire fight that followed, as the troops responded with overwhelming fire power, neutralizing three of the fighters, while others fled in disarray,” Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army said.
He added, “The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.”
Nwachukwu therefore urged members of the public to further their support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism insurgency and other criminal activities.
