Troops ‘kill one IPOB member’, raid hideouts in Imo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have reportedly killed one suspected member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a raid on their hideouts in Imo state.

In a statement on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, said the troops raided the hideouts located at Ihiteukwa community in Orsu LGA on Saturday.

Nwachukwu said three Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were recovered during the raid.

“Nigerian Army troops have successfully cleared IPOB/ESN hideout at Ihiteukwa community in Orsu local government area of Imo state, neutralizing one IPOB/ESN terrorist after an intense firefight on Saturday 2nd of March 2024,” the statement reads.

“On overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops conducted a search in their hideout and recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun.

“Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran currency, 3 solar street lights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.”

The army spokesperson said the troops, in another operation, cleared and destroyed terrorists’ camp in Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari forest in Kaduna.

He said the troops recovered three motorbikes, one PKT gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of desert boots.

Other items recovered include three magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio.

“Troops have dominated the general area and conducting further exploits in pursuit of the insurgents,” he added.

“The Nigerian army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and will continue to sustain operations to sanitize troubled areas in order to restore peace and stability in the country.”