Troops Neutralise IPOB/ESN Operative, Recover Guns, IED Materials In Anambra

The Nigerian Army says its troops have neutralised an alleged IPOB/ESN operative and recovered two pump-action guns, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be for making IEDs in Anambra State.

The Army made this known in an operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.

It said the operation was carried out at dawn on Saturday in Obene and Abator villages in Ochuche and Umunankwo communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area to disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN strongholds.

According to the report, the suspected operatives opened fire as troops advanced before fleeing, prompting soldiers to pursue them along their withdrawal route where blood stains were found.

The Army said one operative was neutralised during the pursuit, while the fleeing group reportedly escaped with the body of another member killed in the encounter.

The operation however suffered a setback when a soldier stepped on an IED while returning to the start line and later died from severe blood loss, but the troops have continued offensive operations to maintain control of the area.