The Nigerian military have shot dead five gun men of IPOB fighters in a firefight that happened during a raiding operation in Ejemekuru, Imo state.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday with the collaboration of the Nigerian army and Navy towards the indigenous Biafra camp at Oughta Local Government area of the State.
Confirming the report was the statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Wednesday, who disclosed that one AK-47 rifle and two pump-action Semi-automatic rifles, among others, was recovered during the collaborated operation.
It read, “In a successful raid operation conducted into identified IPOB/ESN camps on Tuesday 5 March 2024, combined Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy troops have neutralised five 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 firepower, 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.”
Onyema also said that 15 kidnapped victims in counter-insurgency operations conducted in the North West were rescued.
“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.
“The vigilant troops responded swiftly to a distress call and immediately mobilised 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 were rescued unharmed.”
