Troops kill 2 ESN fighters, arrest 5 others in Delta

• Two Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters were killed during the encounter, while five others were arrested
• The operation was conducted in response to distress calls reporting an attack on the community. Some of the attackers sought refuge near Okpanam river
  

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The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and Department of State Services (DSS), confirmed the elimination of two Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters and the subsequent arrest of five individuals in Asaba, Delta State.

According to an official statement released by the army, the operation was prompted by distress calls indicating an attack on the community. Following the encounter, some of the “terrorists” sought refuge in a hideout near Okpanam river.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, in a release on Tuesday said, “Combined troops of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and operatives of the Department of State Services have neutralized two IPOB/ESN fighters and arrested five others after a fierce encounter that took place on Monday 17 July 2023 at Fuji Junction general area in Asaba, Delta state.

“The encounter followed distress calls that the community was under attack by the terrorists, to which the combined troops swiftly responded. The terrorists succumbed to the overwhelming fire power of the troops, after two of their members fell in the fire fight that ensued, while the survivors fled to their hideout around Okpanam River.

“The gallant troops in pursuit of the fleeing criminal elements, successfully trailed them to their enclave in a house around Okpanam River, where they were nabbed. The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one Pump Action semi-automatic rifle, 15 live cartridges, one AK 47 rifle magazine and a Baofeng radio receiver.

“We implore members of the public to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by providing actionable information to support their operations to tackle security challenges.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has lauded the combined troops for their effort and urged them to sustain the synergy, as they restore peace and tranquility in the region.”