Two Soldiers Killed, One Missing, As Troops Clash With Suspected IPOB/ESN Members

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army on Saturday December 28, 2024, informed that it lost two of its personnel while confronting some suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the armed wing of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Army, however, announced the neutralization of some members of the proscribed  group in the fierce gun duel.

Writing on its official site the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze said one of its troops is still missing.

According to the statement, troops while coming back from a routine patrol, responded to a distress call in connection with an attack on Osina residents ,by suspected members of IPOB/ESN.

“Upon arrival, troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming fire- power, forcing the dissidents to withdraw in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two  security agents were killed in action and one other is missing

“Their weapons, an AK-47 riffle and tear gas launcher were carted away by the terrorists.

“The corpses  of the slain agents were recovered and the troops proceeded in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists” the Army wrote.

In another development ,the Brigade said that troops also encountered some suspected members of IPOB/ESN in Nkwachi community, resulting in the death of one of the terrorists.

In the face of the superior fire-power of the troops, other terrorists fled into  the nearby forest, the Army stated

According to the statement, one AK-47 riffle with fully loaded magazine was recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

“Also, troops recovered five AK-47 riffle, and five magazines bringing the total to six AK-47 riffles, a tear gas launcher.”

The Army noted that concerted efforts  are underway to track down fleeing members of the group

“Further exploitation is ongoing as troops will continue to trail the injured terrorists and smoke them out of their hideouts and places of treatment

“We urge all IPOB/ESN irredentists and other criminal elements hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops location or meet their waterloo as troops of the Brigade will continue to ensure that Imolites celebrate the Yuletide Season in peace without fear or intimidation” the Army stated.