The Nigerian Army confirmed the death of two soldiers in a clash with operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army, the incident occurred at Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The troops of 34 Artillery Brigade were responding to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community.
The army said it engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, killing some of them. However, two security agents were killed in action, and one is still missing. The terrorists also carted away the soldiers’ weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher.
The Nigerian Army added that it has recovered the corpses of the slain agents and is pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
The statement added, “Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralised while others who could not withstand the troop’s firepower ran into the nearby forest. One (1) AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered.
“The unrelenting troops continued to pursue the remnant of the criminals deep into Umalouma forest where a heavy firefight further broke out. The dissidents finally abandoned their weapons due to troops’ superior firepower and scampered into the thickly forested area with severe gunshot injuries. An additional five (4) Ak – 47 rifles, one (1) Fabrique Nationale Rifle and five (2) Magazines were recovered. A total of six (5) AK 47 Rifles and a Tear Gas Launcher were recovered.
“Further exploitation is ongoing as troops will continue to trail the injured terrorists and smoke them out of their hideouts and places of treatment. We urge all IPOB/ESN irredentists and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops’ location or meet their waterloo as troops of the Brigade will continue to ensure that Imolites celebrate the Yuletide Season in peace without fear or intimidation.”
The army has appealed to the people of Imo State to support the military by providing timely intelligence on the hideouts and movements of the terrorists.
