Troops destroy IPOB/ESN hideout, recover firearms in Delta

Troops of the Nigerian Army in a joint operation with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have destroyed an enclave linked with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB/Eastern Security Network, ESN in Asaba, Delta State.

In a statement, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the raid was conducted by troops of 63 Brigade Garrison under 6 Division and operatives of DSS in a clearance operation on Saturday.

The army PRO said that the joint operation was part of the sustained effort to rid country of criminality.

He revealed that the troops conducted a raid operation on the fortified enclave of the proscribed organizations located in the middle of a forested high ground in the early hours of Saturday.

Nwachukwu explained that the gallant troops overpowered the IPOB fighters during exchange of fire that followed the faceoff, compelling the outlawed group to vacate their hideout in disarray.

He said further that, “The troops captured one of the fleeing fighters and recovered five AK 47 Rifles, three Pump Action Semi-Automatic Rifles, one G3 Rifle and one single barrel gun.

“Other items recovered include Live Cartridges, Electric Saw, Machetes, an Axe and IPOB flag.

“The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff, Maj-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, through the army spokesperson, has commended the troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in the ongoing operations, urging them to sustain battle to restore sanity in the the South-East region.