The Nigeria Army has said that its men have neutralized four indeginous People Of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) members in Ihiala town of Anambra state.
In a statement released by the The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, “the gunmen who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town”.
“On receipt of a distress call, troops of the NA launched out to the location to restore normalcy. On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralized their leader, Ejike and three others” the statement said.
The Army recovered one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others, from the gun men during the encounter.
The statement further stated that there were casualties on the side of the officers and two of them “paid the Supreme price”
“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”.
Nwachukwu urged the general public 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.
