Nigerian Troops Kill 5 ESN Gunmen in Imo, Rescue 15 Hostages in Zamfara Operation

Nigerian Army and Navy troops carried out a successful operation on Tuesday, eliminating five armed individuals in a firefight at identified IPOB/ESN camps in Ejemekuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, reported the outcome in a statement released on Wednesday.

The troops, displaying overwhelming firepower, overpowered armed separatists’ resistance, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of dangerous weapons. The seized arsenal 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. Additionally, two motorcycles, two mobile handsets, and a camouflage jungle hat were retrieved from the scene.

In a simultaneous operation in the North-west, troops deployed for counter-insurgency operations rescued 15 kidnap victims in the Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the vigilant troops engaged the kidnappers in a shootout, overpowering them and compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

Major General Nwachukwu emphasized the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to addressing security challenges in troubled areas. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.