Sit-at-home: Joint patrol attacks IPOB

 

.Kills 3, wounds others in Enugu

.As troops neutralise IPOB/ESN combatants in Abia, Enugu

By Cosmas Chukwu

 

Police detectives in Enugu have killed three suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) for allegedly attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Dan Ndukwe made available to newsmen  said the suspects were “neutralized” at Ezioha Mgbowo community in Awgu Local Government Area of the state during a gun battle today, Monday.

 

The statement reads: “At about 2.15 am today, September 18, 2023, a joint security team, comprising Police Operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, burst the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements in Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area, while they were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the State.

 

“Three (3) of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralized, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight.

 

“Three (3) pump-action guns, ten (10) machetes, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered; while an intense manhunt for those on the run is ongoing.

 

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), while commending the joint team, has reassured the security and safety of citizens as they go about their lawful businesses in the State.

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“He reiterated the avowed commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise.

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“CP Kanayo, therefore, enjoins all and sundry to report individuals sighted with gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station, while remaining law-abiding and continue to provide the Police with actionable security information and intelligence

.As troops neutralise IPOB/ESN combatants in Abia, Enugu

 

Troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Police have neutralised six combatants of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in different encounters in Abia and Enugu States.

 

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Nwachukwu said the troops had eliminated three IPOB/ESN gunmen in a fierce encounter during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia.

 

He said the troops also destroyed several hideous camps used by the groups to perpetrate heinous crimes.

 

According to him, the camps were uncovered after several weeks of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.

 

“On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others.

 

“The Items recovered include one improvised 16 multi barrel rocket Launcher (MBRL), Gun mounted on a vehicle,  one improvised 12 MBRL gun, one improvised 6 MBRL Gun and one AK 47 rifle.

 

“Also recovered are one dane gun, six locally-made rocket launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five fragmental jackets, one baofeng radio, military camouflage uniforms and several assorted charms,” he said.

 

Nwachukwu further said that the same troops also busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state, on Monday, acting on credible intelligence.

 

He said the armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area, when the vigilant troops swooped on them.

 

According to him, armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp, were, however, defeated in the fire fight that followed when the troops responded with overwhelming fire power, neutralizing three of the fighters, while others fled in disarray.

 

“The troops recovered  three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.

 

“Members of the public are implored to continue to support the Nigerian army and other security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities,” he added. (NAN)