The Nigerian army says gallant troops, while responding to a distress call were engaged in a fierce gun duel by notorious Ipob/ESN gunmen, during which a notorious IPOB/ESN leader, identified as Ejike, was killed.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, confirmed the development, adding that three other Ipob/ESN gunmen died during the operation.
In the statement, Nwachukwu noted that the IPOB/ESN gunmen, while implementing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order were shooting sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town of Anambra state.
He said that after the Nigerian Army received a distress call with regards the development, they dispatched troops to the location to restore order.
Upon troops’ arrival at the location, a fierce firefight ensued when they encountered the rampaging gunmen.
READ ALSO: Unknown Gunmen Suspected To Be IPOB/ESN Members Attack Troops, Burn Operational Vehicles (See Video).
However, due to the superior firepower of the gallant Nigerian troops, a leader of the proscribed group identified as Ejike, and three others were killed.
One motorcycle, two pump action double barrel rifles, 12 live cartridges, and substance presumed to be cannabis were among the items confiscated from the gunmen during the encounter.
Brigadier General Onyema however said that due to a technical issue, one combat vehicle transporting personnel was involved in an accident during the mission.
Recall that Gallant Military Info reported about the unfortunate accident yesterday. You can read it HERE.
Onyema in the statement said the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of one brave commander and a soldier, while two more were injured. The injured, according to him are being treated at a military hospital right now.
The statement reads;
“Troops of Nigerian Army (NA)have neutralized four Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network gunmen at Ihiala town in Anambra State. The gunmen who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town. On receipt of a distress call, troops of the NA launched out to the location to restore normalcy.”
“On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralized their leader, Ejike and three others.”
“Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others.”
“Sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault. One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.”
“While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public are enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region.”
Source: Nigerian Army.
