By Augustine Ehikioya
A combined Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy troops on Tuesday stormed IPOB/ESN camps at Ejemekuru in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
In the process, five armed fighters were killed while weapons and ammunition, and other items were recovered.
This was contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “In a successful raid operation conducted into identified IPOB/ESN camps on Tuesday 5 March, 2024, combined Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy troops have neutralized 5 armed fighters in a firefight that ensued at Ejemekuru in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
“On overpowering the Armed separatists’ resistance with overwhelming fire power, the gallant troops recovered a significant cache of dangerous weapons including one AK-47 rifle, 2 Pump-action Semi automatic rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 2 magazines and 3 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
“The troops also recovered 2 motorbikes, 2 mobile handsets and a Camouflage jungle hat.”
The statement disclosed that in another operation same day, troops deployed for counter-insurgency operations in North West Nigeria successfully rescued 15 kidnap victims in Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
It said that the vigilant troops responded swiftly to a distress call and immediately mobilized to the scene of the incident where they engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, overpowering and compelling them to abandon their victims, as they scampered into the forest.
All abductees, the statement said, were rescued unharmed.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to mitigating security challenges in troubled areas of the country. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies, as we
continue in our untiring efforts to ensure peace and security in the country, “it stated.
