Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army conducting excercise, Golden Dawn have neutralised four gunmen of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network, IPOB/ESN in a fierce encounter at Nnobi Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday 29 October 2021.
This followed the assailants’ armed attack on personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Round About in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during which troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and subsequently embarked on a pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi – Nnobi road.
Fire Fight
According to a statement by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops made contact with the fleeing gunmen and engaged them in a fire fight, neutralising four of the criminals.
The gallant troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one Galil Ace 5.56 x 45 Iwi Gun, one Avofeng Hand held radio and one Black Highlander jeep but sadly, a personnel of one of the security agencies paid the supreme price.
In a separate operation, troops foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN gunmen at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area.
Take to their heels
The vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning, one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, one dark blue Ford and four motorcycles, which the troops have recovered.
The Nigerian Army noted that the recent attacks was part of IPOB/ESN plan to instil fear into the public and sabotage forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.
Confronting all criminals
The Nigerian Army assured Members of the public that the army, sister services and other security agencies would not relent in resolutely confronting all criminals intents against the citizenry and national interest.
The army further said law abiding citizens were enjoined to go about their daily activities without any fear and were also encouraged to report any unusual activity observed across Anambra State to the nearest security post.
Lateefah Ibrahim
