Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade have successfully neutralized elements of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a series of operations in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, which occurred on Friday, December 27, 2024, began when troops responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina community. Upon arrival, the troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, causing the dissidents to flee in disarray.
Unfortunately, two security agents were killed in action, and another remains missing. The terrorists made away with an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher belonging to the slain agents. The troops recovered the bodies of the fallen personnel and pursued the fleeing assailants.
In a subsequent encounter at Nkwachi Community, the troops engaged the fleeing terrorists in another firefight, neutralizing one of the dissidents. Others, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower, retreated into a nearby forest. During this engagement, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine.
The pursuit continued deep into Umalouma Forest, where another heavy firefight broke out. The terrorists, overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, abandoned their weapons and fled with severe gunshot injuries. The soldiers recovered an additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines.
In total, the troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, a Fabrique Nationale rifle, and a tear gas launcher during the operations.
The military has vowed to sustain its operations, with further exploitation ongoing to track the injured terrorists and eliminate their hideouts.
A statement from the brigade called on IPOB/ESN elements and other criminal groups in the state to surrender or face decisive action.
“We urge all IPOB/ESN irredentists and criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops’ location or meet their waterloo,” the statement read.
The troops also appealed to peace-loving residents of Imo State to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of criminal elements.
The 34 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for Imo residents to celebrate the Yuletide season without fear or intimidation.
LV