By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its troops were able to successfully neutralise six fighters of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia State.
Troops of Operation UDO KA raided the IPOB/ESN base located in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State on Saturday.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this on its official X handle on Sunday.
According to the army, the operation was embarked upon to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on its troops in Aba last week.
The army also revealed that the troops encountered Improvised Explosive Devices along its axis of advance and one soldier sustained a minor injury from the fragment.
The post reads: “The terrorists’ feeble firefight was adequately subdued with superior firepower that led to the neutralization of 6 members of the criminaterrorist’sts group while others escaped into adjoining bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds as blood stains were seen along their escape routes.
“The gallant troops recovered three locally fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, two locally fabricated Artillery guns with tripod and bombs.
“Other items recovered include Dane guns, Biafran flags as well as Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles that were burnt in situ. Also, all of their camps with different inscriptions were destroyed,” the statement read in part.
The New Diplomat reports that the operation comes after six soldiers were killed last week in an attack allegedly orchestrated by the IPOB/ESN.
The attack took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.
The attackers were said to have come in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint.
Reacting to the attack, the Army spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, had vowed that the military to retaliate the attack on its troops brutally.
