Troops of Nigerian Army have neutralised four Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) gunmen at Ihiala town within Ihiala Local Government of Area of Anambra State.
This is contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Enugu on Wednesday.
Nwachukwu said that the gunmen, who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order on Monday, February 7, fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.
“On receipt of a distress call, troops of the Nigerian Army launched out to the location to restore normalcy.
“On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralised their leader, Ejike and three others.
“Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others,” he said.
According to him sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault.
“One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries.
“The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital,” he said.
The army spokesman said that the Nigerian Army prayed for the repose of the souls of its deceased personnel.
“The general public is enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region,” he appealed.
