Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized one IPOB/ESN terrorist following clearance operations on a hideout in Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, says the insurgent was eliminated on Saturday, 2 March 2024 after an intense firefight.
On overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops conducted a search of their hideout and recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 1Toyota Highlander SUV, 1 Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 1 locally fabricated single barrel gun.
Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniforms, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran currency, 3 solar street lights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.
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, troops engaged terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering 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 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.
