The Nigerian Army has said that its troops have killed a commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State, identified as Tochukwu Aka Ojoto.
The Army said that the killing of the ESN Commander was sequel to the capturing of the stronghold of the IPOB/ESN at ‘Mother Valley,’ stating that the criminal elements had been making efforts to establish other camps in the general area and other places.
According to a statement by the Army: “Troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel from Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, have conducted a successful special clearance operation across the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu, along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States, respectively.
“The troops encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) who have been using the area as a sanctuary.
“On sighting troops the insurgents employed guerrilla tactics, lobbing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from concealed positions and riddling the roads with booby traps.
“Despite the terrorists’ guerrilla tactics, troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, employing superior firepower to neutralize notorious IPOB/ESN Ihiteukwa terrorist camp Commander known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto and two others.
“The operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists. Notably, 2 undetonated IEDs, 6 detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials were captured by the gallant troops.
“The operation has dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region. The IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed.
“In another operation in Cross River State, troops deployed for counter terrorism operations were engaged in a fierce gun battle with a group of suspected kidnappers. The encounter occurred in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area.
“The troops who were on routine patrol stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily leaving behind 2 AK 47 Rifles, 6 Magazines, variety of ammunition and 3 mobile phones. All the items have been recovered by the troops.”