IPOB/ESN clash with Nigerian Army in Anambra

A reported clash between the Nigerian Army troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), resulted in the death of one individual in Anambra State.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Tuesday disclosing that the proscribed Biafra group attempted an attack on troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base at Ukwuorji, along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on August 20, 2023. However, the vigilant troops of the 82 Division managed to thwart the assault.

Nwachukwu stated that the attackers were confronted with superior firepower, resulting in one of them being killed. Two others were apprehended, while the remaining assailants fled the scene.

The statement detailed the recovery of a vehicle, a mobile phone, a machete, nine expended 7.62 mm special ammunition cases, and an expended 12.7mm ammunition case by the troops.

In another development, a Boko Haram fighter and his wife surrendered to the troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison in Gwoza due to the military’s aggressive combat operations in the Northeast. The surrender led to the retrieval of an AK-47 rifle and 10 live rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The statement further reported a separate operation conducted on August 21, 2023, by troops of 1 Brigade Garrison under 8 Division’s area of responsibility. The operation entailed an ambush against insurgents who were planning an attack on Bobo Village in Zamfara State. During the fierce encounter, two insurgents were eliminated, and two AK-47 rifles and four motorcycles were recovered.

The statement concluded by urging law-abiding citizens to support the Nigerian military’s operations to enhance national security.