Troops kill two suspected ESN/IPOB fighters in Asaba

Combined troops of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have neutralised two suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network (ESN) fighters, arresting five others, after a fierce encounter, on Monday, at Fuji Junction area, Asaba, Delta State.

Spokesman of the army, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the encounter followed distress calls that the community was under attack by the group.

Nwachukwu said: “The terrorists succumbed to the overwhelming force of troops. Two of their members fell in the fire fight that ensued, while survivors fled to their hideout around Okpanam River.

“The gallant troops, in pursuit of the fleeing criminal elements, successfully trailed them to their enclave, where they were nabbed.

“The operatives recovered one AK 47 rifle, one pump action semi automatic rifle, 15 live cartridges, one AK 47 rifle magazine and a baofeng radio receiver.”

He implored members of the public to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing actionable information to aid their operations.

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