Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and Police have neutralized three combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network, in separate encounters in Abia and Enugu states.

In a statement released by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police neutralized three IPOB/ESN combatants in a fierce encounter during a clearance operation in Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state on Monday.

The troops also destroyed several hideous camps used by members of the groups to perpetrate heinous crimes after recovering ammunition used by the secessionists.

“The gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others. The Items recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle,  One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun,  One AK 47 Rifle,  One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets,  One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms.” the statement partly read

Ontema further stated that in a similar operation, troops of 82 Division NA, in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acting on credible intelligence, busted the IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state.

The armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area when the vigilant troops swooped on them.

The armed fighters, who opened fire on sighting troops approaching their camp, were defeated in the following fire fight. Three of the fighters were neutralized, while others fled in disarray.

The troops recovered three Pump Action Guns and 10 Machetes from the fleeing fighters.