Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade have neutralised members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during operations in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 34 Artillery Brigade said the incident took place on on Friday, 27th December 2024.
It said; “the troops while responding to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community, the troops, who were returning from routine patrols, swiftly engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower.”
“The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray. Regrettably, two security agents were killed, while another remains missing. Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists. The bodies of the fallen agents were recovered as troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing assailants.
“Contact was re-established with the criminals at Nkwachi Community, leading to another intense firefight. During this engagement, one of the dissidents was neutralized, while others fled into a nearby forest, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower. An AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered during this operation,” the statement reads.
“Undeterred, the troops pressed deeper into Umalouma Forest, where a fierce encounter ensued. Overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, the dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled into the dense forest with severe injuries. The following items were recovered: Five AK-47 rifles,One Fabrique Nationale rifle,Two magazines, One tear gas launcher.
“Troops continue to exploit the area, trailing the injured terrorists and seeking to dismantle their hideouts and places of refuge. Members of IPOB/ESN and other criminal elements are urged to surrender to the nearest military location or face decisive action. The Brigade remains committed to ensuring that the people of Imo State enjoy a peaceful and secure Yuletide season, free from fear or intimidation,”It said.
The military authories appealed to peace-loving residents of Imo State to work together and support the ongoing military operations by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of these criminal elements.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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