){kind=link}
Army troops raid IPOB/ESN camp in Abia, kill scores, recover arms, foreign currency
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of the 144 Battalion under the 14 Brigade have carried out a successful raid operation on a notorious camp allegedly operated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Saturday, followed actionable intelligence on the presence of the separatist group’s stronghold at the Ebubengwa/Abayi Nchokoro axis of the LGA.
The sources said that the troops launched a coordinated offensive that led to the complete dislodgement and destruction of the camp.
“During the operation, troops recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including: One Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), four AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, three pump-action shotguns, 800 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 648 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
Read Also:
“Other items recovered at the site included two generators, a chain sewing machine, four laptops, four CCTV cameras, one cooking gas cylinder, six bags of rice, 20 liters of groundnut oil, 22 mobile phones, two external hard drives, a Wi-Fi router, 62 local charm vests, two tyres, a machete, and a sum of ₦11.75 million and $27,000”, said the sources.
The sources added that the troops also discovered and destroyed a large shrine believed to be used for spiritual fortification by the separatist elements, as well as several vehicles found within the camp. These included a Honda Pilot SUV, two Toyota Highlander SUVs, a Toyota Hiace bus, a mini-bus, a tricycle, and two motorcycles.
Following a brief but intense firefight, the troops killed an unconfirmed number of the separatist elements while others fled the area in disarray, leaving behind blood trails.
However, one soldier paid the supreme price while two others sustained injuries. The wounded personnel were evacuated to a medical facility in Aba and are responding to treatment
According to the sources, the Commander, 14 Brigade, who visited the troops at their Company Headquarters located at Ngwa High School, commended their professionalism and gallantry.
He urged them to maintain the operational momentum and remain vigilant, noting that while the security situation remains calm, it is still unpredictable.