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A joint security force comprised of the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services, and Civil Defence Corps successfully eliminated a high-ranking commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo state.
The commander, known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto, along with two other militants, were killed during an encounter at their camp in Ihiteukwa.
A post by the Nigerian Army X Handle on Tuesday said the operation said the Security forces conducted a strategic clearance operation across the Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu areas, bordering Imo and Anambra states.
IPOB and ESN members, reportedly using the area as a hideout, engaged troops with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps.
Despite the insurgents’ tactics, security forces countered with superior firepower, eliminating Tochukwu and two others.
“The operation yielded a significant haul of weapons, communication devices, narcotics, and personal belongings. Notably, troops seized two unexploded IEDs, remnants of detonated devices, and bomb-making materials.
The operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists. Notably, two undetonated IEDs, six detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials were captured by the gallant troops.
“The operation has dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region.
“The IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed,” it said.
This operation deals a critical blow to terrorist networks operating in the region, potentially preventing future attacks.
In a separate operation in Cross River, troops engaged suspected kidnappers in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon weapons.
It said that the troops, while on routine patrol stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily leaving behind teo AK 47 Rifles, six Magazines, variety of ammunition and three mobile phones.
