Nigerian Troops Neutralize Six IPOB/ESN Members in Abia State Raid

Abia, Nigeria – In a decisive operation on June 8, troops of the Joint Taskforce ‘Operation UDO KA’ neutralized six suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State. This operation aimed to apprehend those responsible for a recent attack on troops in Aba and to recover arms and ammunition from the IPOB/ESN terrorist group.

Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the spokesperson for the Taskforce, announced on Sunday that the raid was a success despite encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the mission. One soldier sustained minor injuries from the IED fragments.

“The terrorists’ feeble firefight was adequately subdued with superior firepower, leading to the neutralization of six members of the criminal terrorist group, while others escaped into adjoining bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, as blood stains were seen along their escape routes,” Unuakhalu stated.

Weapons and Vehicles Seized

During the intelligence-led operation, the troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and other items, including:

• Three locally fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers
• Two locally fabricated artillery guns with tripods and bombs
• Dane guns
• Biafran flags
• Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles, which were subsequently destroyed

Additionally, all terrorist camps discovered during the operation, marked with various inscriptions, were demolished.

Call for Public Cooperation

The Taskforce has urged the people of Abia State to continue their cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to help eradicate criminal elements in the state and the broader South-East region.

“Any information should be passed to Operation UDO KA by dialling 193 and pressing option 2 on your phone,” Lt.-Col. Unuakhalu advised.

This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to address and mitigate the activities of separatist groups like IPOB and ESN, which have been linked to various violent incidents and destabilizing activities in the region. The Nigerian Army continues to encourage public support and vigilance in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.