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.
Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 3.
The Army spokesman said the troops overpowered the fighters, searched their hideout and recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 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 uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran currency, 3 solar streetlights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms,” he said.
Nwachukwu said troops engaged some other terrorists in a firefight 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.
This, he said, caused the terrorists to scamper 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, 2 empty magazines and one FN Rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.
“In another development, troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State have cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists’ camps in the area.
“During the operation, troops recovered 3 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 3 magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio.
“Troops have dominated the general area and conducting further exploits in pursuit of the insurgents,” Nwachukwu said.
He said the Nigerian Army remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and will continue to sustain operations to sanitise troubled areas in order to restore peace and stability in the country.
Leave a Reply