Odita Sunday 
Troops Neutralise Three IPOB/ESN Operatives, Recover IEDs, Weapons in Anambra
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Army says troops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies, have neutralised three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a joint operation in Anambra State.
According to the Nigerian Army, the operation, carried out on June 23 along the Ogboji–Ajali axis in Orumba South Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence on armed suspects allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police uniforms to carry out violent attacks.
The Army said the joint security team swiftly mobilised and intercepted the suspects, who were travelling in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, leading to a gun battle in which three of the alleged ESN operatives were neutralised.
Following the operation, troops recovered a cache of arms and other items, including a PKM machine gun with 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, additional rounds of 7.62mm and 5.56mm ammunition, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication gadgets, a laptop and the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
The Army also disclosed that identification and financial documents belonging to suspected members of the group were recovered during the exploitation of the area.
It said the operation underscores the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven joint security efforts aimed at dismantling criminal and terrorist networks threatening peace and stability across the South-East.
The statement added that troops are continuing exploitation operations to track and apprehend fleeing and wounded members of the group.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of law-abiding residents.
It also urged members of the public to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing efforts to enhance national security.
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