Troops Neutralize 13 IPOB Members, Arrest 3 Kidnappers in South-East

The Joint Task Force South-East, codenamed “Operation UDO KA,” has successfully neutralized 13 armed members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and apprehended three kidnappers during a series of clearance operations in the South-East region. This was disclosed by the task force’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement released on Monday in Enugu.

The operations were part of the task force’s efforts to ensure peace and safety in the region during the yuletide. According to Lt.-Col. Unuakhalu, troops of Sector 1 carried out an ambush operation along the Amouka-Umouka Road in the 9th Mile area of Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, on December 21. During the operation, troops engaged a group of kidnappers in a firefight, neutralizing one suspect while others fled with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, mobile phones, a power bank, ATM cards, a wristwatch, keys, and N8,900 in cash.

Earlier, on December 16, troops of Sector 5 conducted a clearance operation in the Mbosi and Isseke areas of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. During the operation, three IPOB members were neutralized, and weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, two loaded magazines, and three Dane guns, were recovered. The operation also led to the destruction of a house belonging to a known IPOB commander and a shrine used for fortification rituals. Troops on patrol in the Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu areas had previously recovered five water gel improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and components used for their detonation.

In another operation on December 14, troops acting on intelligence arrested three suspected kidnappers in Itungwa, Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State. The suspects, who were operating a stolen tricycle, attempted to flee upon sighting the troops but were intercepted. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a locally made pistol, ammunition, magazines, and other equipment, including mobile phones, N6,600 in cash, and two knapsack bags used for concealing weapons.

The Joint Task Force South-East emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the region, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist in ongoing operations.