Troops neutralise IPOB/ESN operative, recover arms in Anambra

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised an IPOB/ESN operative and recovered two guns, motorcycles and IED-making materials in Anambra.

This is contained in an operational update made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

The report said that troops, supported by the Military Police, DSS and allied vigilantes, conducted a dawn operation on Saturday at suspected strongholds in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

It said the troops raided Obene and Abator villages in Ochuche and Umunankwo communities, forcing the suspected terrorists to flee while firing at the advancing troops.

According to the report, troops pursued the fleeing elements, following blood stains along their withdrawal route, and neutralised one of them.

“The fleeing group reportedly withdrew with the corpse of another member neutralised during the encounter.

“Recovered items include two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices.

“However, a soldier was killed after stepping on an IED while troops were returning to their start line.

“The soldier was immediately evacuated but died from severe blood loss while being transported to hospital.”

The report added that in spite of the setback, the troops continued to dominate the area and sustain offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.

“The troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained high,” the report said.