The Nigerian Army said its troops in conjunction with personnel from Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, have conducted a successful special clearance operation across the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu, along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra states.
A statement by the Army said the troops encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Eastern Security Network, ESN, who have been using the area as a sanctuary.
“On sighting troops the insurgents employed guerrilla tactics, lobbing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from concealed positions and riddling the roads with booby traps.
“Despite the terrorists’ guerrilla tactics, troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, employing superior firepower to neutralize notorious IPOB/ESN Ihiteukwa terrorist camp Commander known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto and two others,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists.
Items recovered include two undetonated IEDs, 6 detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials
The Army said the operation has dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region, adding that the IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed.
“In another operation in Cross River State, troops deployed for counter terrorism operations were engaged in a fierce gun battle with a group of suspected kidnappers.
“The encounter occurred in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area.” It said
According to the statement, the troops, who were on routine patrol, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily leaving behind two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, variety of ammunition and three mobile phones.