Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade on Friday, 27 December 2024, neutralized members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during operations in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
Responding to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community, the troops, who were returning from routine patrols, swiftly engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower. The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray. Regrettably, two security agents were killed in action, while another remains missing. Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists. The bodies of the fallen agents were recovered as troops launched a pursuit of the fleeing assailants.
Contact was re-established with the criminals at Nkwachi Community, leading to another intense firefight. During this engagement, one of the dissidents was neutralized, while others fled into a nearby forest, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower. An AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered during this operation.
Undeterred, the troops pressed deeper into Umalouma Forest, where a fierce encounter ensued. Overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, the dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled into the dense forest with severe injuries. The following items were recovered: Five AK-47 rifles,One Fabrique Nationale rifle,Two magazines, One tear gas launcher.
Troops continue to exploit the area, trailing the injured terrorists and seeking to dismantle their hideouts and places of refuge. Members of IPOB/ESN and other criminal elements are urged to surrender to the nearest military location or face decisive action. The Brigade remains committed to ensuring that the people of Imo State enjoy a peaceful and secure Yuletide season, free from fear or intimidation.
We appeal to peace-loving residents of Imo State to support ongoing military operations by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of these criminal elements. Together, we can rid the state of all forms of criminality.
Captain Joseph Baba Akubo
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
34 Artillery Brigade
28 December 2024
