Nigerian soldiers on patrol | File Image
Army: The terrorists’ feeble firefight were adequately subdued with superior firepower that led to the neutralization of 6 members of the criminal terrorists group while others escaped into adjoining bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
By Valentine Amanze
The Nigerian Army at the weekend carried out its threat of retaliation after the killing of six soldiers at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis last week by yet to be identified gunmen.
The Army, through its X handle, X/@HQNigerianArmy, on Sunday June 9, 2024, stated that the troops of Operation Udoka neutralised six terrorists following a successful raid on the camp of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State on Saturday.
The Army, which explained that the operation was embarked upon to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on its troops in Aba last week, did not say that it was IPOB that murdered the six soldiers in Aba.
It however said that during the intelligence-led operation, troops encountered Improvised Explosive Devices along its axis of advance and one soldier sustained minor injury from the fragment.
The destroyed IPOB camp.
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The Army stated: “The terrorists’ feeble firefight were adequately subdued with superior firepower that led to the neutralization of 6 members of the criminal terrorists group while others escaped into adjoining bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds as blood stains were seen along their escape routes.
“The gallant troops recovered three locally fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, two locally fabricated Artillery guns with tripod and bombs.
“Other items recovered include dane guns, Biafran flags as well as Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles that were burnt insitu. Also all of their camps with different inscriptions were destroyed.”
Besides, it appealed to the people of Abia to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving credible and timely information that would annihilate the criminals in the state and the whole of South East Nigeria.
Recall that six soldiers were killed last week in an alleged attack by the IPOB/ESN.
The attackers were said to have come in three-tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others, from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint.
Six civilians were also killed in the crossfire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.
Following the killing of the soldiers, the Military in a statement by its spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, vowed that the military would retaliate the attack on its troops brutally.
