Troops neutralize ESN terrorists, recover several weapons, ammunition

The Nigerian Army said troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade have neutralized elements of the proscribed terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a statement on its verified social media handles (Facebook, X, and WhatsApp), it stated that the troops, while returning from routine patrols, responded to a distress call regarding an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community. Upon arrival, the troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing the dissidents to withdraw in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents were killed in action, and one other is missing in action. Their weapons, an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were carted away by the terrorists. The corpses of the slain agents were recovered, and the troops proceeded in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists,” the statement read.

It added that contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community. In the ensuing firefight, one of the dissidents was neutralized, while others, unable to withstand the troops’ firepower, fled into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered.

Also, the troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and five magazines, bringing the total to six AK-47 rifles and a tear gas launcher.

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The statement noted that further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to trail the injured terrorists to smoke them out of their hideouts and places of treatment.

The Army advised all IPOB/ESN irredentists and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender at the nearest troop location or face their demise, as the Brigade remains committed to ensuring that Imo residents celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, without fear or intimidation.

“We also appeal to peace-loving Imo residents to continue supporting the military by providing timely intelligence on the hideouts and movements of the terrorists to enable us to rid the state of all criminality,” it said.