Nigerian Army troops of 34 Brigade have captured a cache of arms and ammunition belonging to elements of the dissident group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN), after a gun battle at Amaifeke-Akkatta Road in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo state.
According to a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the fire arms and ammunition were recovered during troops’ operations to clear the separatists’ hideouts in the general area of Amaifeke – Akkatta road.
General Nwachukwu said the trroops uncovered the weapons concealed in a black Toyota Camry, after they successfully surmounted ambushes staged by members of the outlawed group.
They were overpowered by the gallant troops, abandoned their vehicle and weapons in the heat of the combat and fled the scene.
After a thorough search, the troops recovered ten Pump Action Shotguns, seven locally fabricated guns, one locally made Revolver Pistol, eighty Live Cartridges, one Baofeng Radio and substance suspected to be gun powder. Others include Satchet of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a Toyota Camry Saloon car.
The Nigerian Army commended members of the public for their continued support to the military and security agencies, as they protect the citizens from attrocious activities of the outlawed groups, who in defiance of law and good order have annihilated innocent Igbo’s and other Nigerians, in their enforcement of an illegal sit at home order, foisted on the good people of the South East.
The Nigerian Army urges all to continue to provide timely and credible information in support of ongoing operations to restore peace and security in the South East and other troubled parts of the country.
Confidence Okwuchi
