Troops Kill Three Suspected IPOB/ESN Operatives In Anambra, Recover Arms

Troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation Udoka, working with other security agencies, have killed three suspected IPOB/ESN operatives during an operation in Anambra State.

Vanguard and Daily Post reported that the operation took place on June 23 after intelligence on armed suspects allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms.

The army said the joint security team tracked the suspects along the Ogboji-Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to both reports, the suspects were intercepted while travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle. A gun battle followed, and three suspected ESN operatives were killed.

The reports said troops recovered a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices, communication gadgets, a laptop and the vehicle.

Vanguard also reported that identification and financial documents believed to belong to suspected members of the group were recovered after the engagement.

The Nigerian Army said troops were continuing follow-up operations in the area to track wounded or fleeing suspects.

The incident is separate from earlier political developments around IPOB leadership that NaijaTrend covered here. This latest report is a security operation in Anambra.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post