Troops kill ‘5 ESN members’ in Imo, ‘rescue’ 15 kidnap victims in Zamfara 

The Nigerian army says its troops have killed five suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

Onyema Nwachukwu, director of army public relations, said the suspected gunmen were engaged in a gun duel at their camps in Ejemekuru in Oguta LGA of Imo state.

He said the troops overpowered the armed men “with overwhelming firepower”, and recovered a significant cache of weapons.

Nwachukwu said the weapons recovered included one AK 47 rifle, two pump action semi-automatic rifles, one locally fabricated gun, two magazines and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He said the troops also recovered two motorcycles, two mobile handsets, and a camouflage jungle hat.

Nwachukwu added that the troops deployed for counter-insurgency operations in the north-west also rescued 15 kidnap victims in Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara state.

He said the troops responded swiftly to a distress call, and immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident where they engaged the kidnappers in a shootout.

He said the troops overpowered the gunmen, compelling them to abandon their victims and flee into the forest.

“All abductees were rescued unharmed,” he said.

“The Nigerian army remains resolute in its commitment to mitigating security challenges in troubled areas of the country.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies, as we continue in our efforts to ensure peace and security in the country.”