CUTDOWN! IPOB/ESN terrorists neutralised after facing military troops in gun battle

*AK-47 rifles, vehicles, ammunition, knife recovered

Four dare devil members of the terrorist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been cut down in their evil way as they engaged military troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN in South East state of Anambra in fierce gun battle.

The troops, drafted from 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu, neutralised the terrorists, who dared them to show their might, at Nnobi Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The military successful out was coming after the IPOB/ESN terrorists had launched armed attacks on personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Roundabout in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, during which troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and subsequently embarked on pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi–Nnobi road.

Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, on Saturday.

He said the terrorists otherwise called gunmen were overpowered after they engaged the troops in a fierce encounter on Friday.

“This followed the assailants’ armed attack on personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Round About in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during which troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and subsequently embarked on the pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi – Nnobi Road,” the statement said.

“Troops made contact with the fleeing gunmen and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising four of the criminals.

“The gallant troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one GALIL Ace 5.56 x 45 Iwi Gun, one Avofeng Hand held radio and one Black Highlander jeep. Sadly, personnel of one of the security agencies paid the supreme price.

“In a separate operation, troops have foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN gunmen at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area. The vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, one dark blue Ford and four motorcycles, which the troops have recovered.

“The Nigerian Army notes that the recent attacks are part of proscribed IPOB/ESN plan to instil fear into the public and sabotage forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election. Members of the public are reassured that the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies will not relent in resolutely confronting all criminals intents against the citizenry and national interest. Law-abiding citizens are enjoined to continue to go about their daily activities without any fear. They are also encouraged to report any unusual activity observed across Anambra State to the nearest security post.”

In a separate operation, troops have foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN terrorists at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area.

The vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning, one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, one dark blue Ford and four motorcycles, which the troops have recovered.

The Nigerian Army noted that the recent attacks were part of plan by the proscribed IPOB/ESN to instil fear in members of the public and sabotage forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

The military, therefore, have reassured members of the public were that the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies will not relent in resolutely confronting all criminal intents against the citizenry and national interest.

Law abiding citizens have also been enjoined to continue going about their daily activities without fear.

“They are also encouraged to report any unusual activity observed across Anambra State to the nearest security post.”