Troops neutralize ESN terorrist, destroy camps in Imo

• According to a statement, troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering in disarray into nearby bushes
  

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On Sunday, the Nigerian Army High Command reported the successful clearance of an IPOB/ESN hideout in Ihiteukwa Community, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The troops, engaged in an intense firefight on Saturday, effectively neutralized one IPOB/ESN terrorist. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, released this information in a statement provided to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Sunday.

According to the statement, “on overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops conducted a search in their hideout and recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun.

“Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, 3 solar street lights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.”

The statement added that in a separate operation, conducted by own troops at a suspected IPOB/ESN crossing point in Akawa Nneato general area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering in disarray into nearby bushes.

According to it, “on exploiting further after the shootout, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty magazines and one FN Rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.”

It further explained that in another development, troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State have cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists’ camps in the area.

According to it, “during the operation, troops recovered 3 motorbikes, one PKT Gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of Desert boots. Other items recovered include 3 magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio.”