Nigerian Army Neutralizes Suspected ESN Member in Imo State

The Nigerian Army has announced the neutralization of a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operation took place after an intense gun battle in the Ihiteukwa area of Orsu on Saturday.

According to Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty magazines, and one FN Rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition from the scene.

Describing the deceased as a “terrorist,” Nwachukwu stated that the operation successfully cleared the IPOB/ESN hideout.

The statement by Nwachukwu further revealed that during the search of the hideout, troops recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, and one locally fabricated single-barrel gun.

Additionally, items such as a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones, batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, 3 solar street lights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots, and assorted charms were recovered.

In a separate operation in Akawa Nneato general area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, troops engaged suspected IPOB/ESN members in a firefight, causing the terrorists to flee into nearby bushes.

The troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty magazines, and one FN Rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition in that operation.