Nigerian Army Engage IPOB/ESN In A Fierce Gun Battle In Anambra

Troops of the Joint Task Force in South East code-named Operation UDO KA II, have neutralized four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, during a gun battle. Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu revealed this. Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement, said the troops encountered the group on September 28, 2023, while on a routine patrol.

According to his words; Troops of Joint Task Force in South East code named Operation UDO KA II encountered an ambush, staged by IPOB and its armed affiliates ESN using Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along Orsumoghu-Ukpor Road in Anambra State.

“During the firefight, the gallant troops countered the ambush with superior firepower, neutralizing one member of the group. Two AK-47 rifles were recovered at the scene of the fire fight while others escaped into the nearby bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“On further exploitation of the withdrawal route, three more bodies of IPOB/ESN members were recovered who died from gunshot wounds sustained during the fire fight,” he stated.

The Nigerian Army spokesman further stated that the Operation UDO KA II wishes to reassure the good people of the South East of its unwavering resolve and commitment to restore lasting peace in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said the troops would not relent in the fight to end the security challenges in the region.

According to his words; “The Task Force, therefore, calls on law abiding and good citizens of the South-East not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information which will lead to ending the menace of insecurity occasioned by activities of the group in the region. Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,” he stated.