Troops Kill Notorious IPOB Commander, Two Others in Imo Encounter

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully eliminated a notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, identified as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto, along with two associates during an encounter at their camp in Ihiteukwa, Imo State.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army X Handle on Tuesday, the operation, conducted jointly with personnel from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, targeted areas including Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States.

The army reported that the troops encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) who had been using the area as a sanctuary. The insurgents engaged the troops using guerrilla tactics, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps.

Despite facing guerrilla tactics, the troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, ultimately neutralizing Tochukwu and two others. The operation resulted in the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects belonging to the terrorists. Notably, the troops also captured two undetonated IEDs, six detonated IEDs, and bomb-making materials.

The successful operation dealt a significant blow to the terrorist networks in the region, with the captured IEDs and bomb-making materials safely destroyed by the troops.

In a separate operation in Cross River, troops engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area. The kidnappers were forced to retreat hastily, leaving behind two AK 47 Rifles, six Magazines, various ammunition, and three mobile phones, all of which were recovered by the troops.

The Nigerian Army continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating insecurity and restoring peace in various parts of the country.