Soldiers from the Joint Task Force South East, known as Operation UDO KA II, have reportedly eliminated a minimum of four suspected individuals associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant branch, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jonah Unuakhalu, the incident occurred on Thursday along the Orsumoghu-Ukpor road in Anambra State. The statement revealed that the audacious gunmen laid an ambush for the troops using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A gunfight ensued, resulting in the fatalities of the four individuals supporting IPOB.
Unuakhalu further clarified that during the exchange of gunfire, the troops effectively countered the ambush, leading to the neutralization of one member of the IPOB group. Additionally, three more bodies of individuals involved in criminal activities who succumbed to gunshot wounds were discovered following the encounter.
The statement also mentioned the recovery of two AK-47 rifles at the scene of the firefight, with some of the criminals managing to escape into nearby wooded areas with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA II, emphasized its unwavering commitment to reestablishing lasting peace in the South-East region and urged law-abiding citizens to provide essential and reliable information that can assist in curbing insecurity stemming from the activities of these particular groups.
The statement concluded by affirming that Operation UDO KA II would persist in combating crime and criminal activities while adhering to the established regulations governing its operations.