Nigerian Army kills suspected IPOB fighter in Imo, seizes weapons

Nigerian Army troops clashed with suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) arm in Imo State on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, soldiers engaged in a “fierce gunbattle” with the IPOB/ESN group in the Orsu Local Government Area.

The statement claimed that the military “successfully cleared” the IPOB hideout located in the Ihiteukwa community, “neutralising” one fighter in the process.

Following the firefight, the troops reportedly conducted a “clearance operation” on the hideout, recovering a significant cache of weapons. This included three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a Toyota Highlander SUV, a Hilux vehicle, ammunition and a single-barreled gun.

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The statement read, “Nigerian Army troops have successfully cleared IPOB/ESN hideout at Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, neutralising one IPOB/ESN Terrorist after an intense firefight on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

“On overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops searched their hideout and recovered three IEDs, one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, eight rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, and one locally fabricated single barrel gun. Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniforms, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, three solar street lights, three jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.”

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in southeastern Nigeria, where pro-Biafra groups like IPOB have clashed with security forces.

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