Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with personnel from other security agencies, have successfully eliminated a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) Commander known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto, and two other insurgents at their camp in Ihiteukwa, Imo State.
The operation, which was conducted with personnel from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, involved a special clearance operation in the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States.
During the operation, the troops encountered members of IPOB and ESN, who had been using the area as a sanctuary. The insurgents, employing guerrilla tactics, attempted to resist the troops by lobbing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and setting booby traps along the roads. However, the troops countered the attacks with superior firepower, neutralizing Tochukwu and two others.
The operation resulted in the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists. Additionally, two undetonated IEDs, six detonated IEDs, and bomb-making materials were captured and safely destroyed. The army stated that this operation has dealt a significant blow to the terrorists' networks in the region.
In a separate operation in Cross River, troops engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Akparanbong, Ikom Local Government Area. The kidnappers were forced to retreat, leaving behind two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, various ammunition, and three mobile phones, all of which were recovered by the troops.
