82 Division troops neutralise two IPOB/ESN members in Imo

Troops of Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, have neutralised two combatants of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing Eastern Security Network (ESN) along Eke Ututu – Ihitte Nansa road in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The troops included the 34 Artillery Brigade, as well as members of the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies.

According to the statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu; “They encountered the dissidents while carrying out a raid operation around the general area of Orsu Ihitte Ukwa and Ihitte Nansa

TROOPS NEUTRALIZE IPOB/ESN ELEMENTS IN ORSU … Recover Rocket Launchers

The fearless troops were unhurt, as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) deployed by the irredentists exploded at Eke Ututu Market, destroying some of the shops in the market. https://t.co/pThu3NDFpV pic.twitter.com/aZVfE2ZypV

— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) August 31, 2022

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“The neutralised members had taken position to launch one of their primed rocket launchers, when they were engaged and taken out by the vigilant troops.

“The fearless troops were unhurt, as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) deployed by group exploded at Eke Ututu Market, destroying some of the shops in the market.

“Eke Ututu market has recently become a flash point as dissidents often ambush troops using explosives and fire arms from within and around the market, while troops are on routine patrol.

“After the incident, the Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD) team recovered several Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) planted along the road, as well as locally fabricated rocket launchers.”

The troops reiterated their commitment to ensuring that there is no safe haven for all criminals operating in the state.