3 IPOB Gunmen Killed, AK-47s Recovered

The army has said it killed three gunmen said to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Defence Headquarters made this public on Thursday.

The Army gave this update at the Defence Headquarters conference room while providing its operational activities in the southeast region and across Nigeria in the past two weeks.

The press briefing was handled by Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director Defence Media Operations.

12 suspected members of the outlawed group were arrested, and 21 kidnapped victims rescued. 5 AK-47 rifles were also recovered, among other exhibits.

Danmadami said: “Troops of Operation UDO KA has sustained the fight against criminality with the aim of restoring peace and in the southeast zone.

“Notably, on 23 March 2023, troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police and Department of State Service personnel raided the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network camp in Ezekuna community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and made contact.

“Following a fire fight, the criminals fled due to superior fire power of own troops. Troops exploited the general area and arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered 7 locally made guns.

“Similarly, on 28 March 2023, troops responded to information on kidnap incident along Ishiagu-ugwu road in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

“Following a fire fight, the criminals fled while troops rescued 7 abducted civilians from the kidnappers. Troops also raided suspected kidnappers hideout within Lokpanta general area and along Leru-Ndiawa road in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State between 24 – 27 March 2023.

“Troops arrested 2 of the suspected criminals and destroyed the criminals hideout as well as rescued 9 kidnapped civilians.”

Danmadami added: “Furthermore, on 29 March 2023, troops equally raided the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists’ hideout at Eziama-Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and made contact with the criminals.

“During the encounter, troops neutralized 1 of the terrorist while others fled. Troops exploited the terrorists hideout and recovered 3 pump action rifles, 3 pump action barrels, 1 pistol, 14 locally made grenades, 1 K2 magazines, 2 mobile phones and other sundry items.

“Troops also conducted operational activities in Imo and Enugu States respectively.

“Accordingly, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 2 pistols, 3 pump action rifles, 3 pump action barrels, 7 locally made guns, 14 locally made grenade, 2 K2 magazines, 1 AK47 magazine, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 motorcycles, mobile phones among other items. Troops equally rescued 21 kidnapped civilians, neutralized 3 terrorists’ and apprehended 12 suspected terrorists’.

“All recovered items, rescued abducted civilians and apprehended terrorists’ were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”