2 Soldiers Killed as Nigerian Army Clashes with Suspected IPOB Operatives

Two soldiers lose their lives in a confrontation between the Nigerian Army and suspected IPOB operatives, highlighting ongoing security challenges.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two soldiers have died and their weapons were stolen by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which is associated with the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a separatist organization that promotes the establishment of the Republic of Biafra. They cite longstanding grievances related to the marginalization and neglect experienced by Nigeria’s South-East region since the end of the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Nigerian Army clarified that the incident took place in Osina, located in Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State. This happened when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade were returning from a routine patrol and responded to an urgent call concerning an attack by IPOB/ESN forces on Osina Community.

The statement disclosed that when the troops arrived, they confronted the “terrorists” with significant firepower, leading to casualties among the assailants. The Army did not disclose specific numbers but mentioned that ultimately, the “dissidents” retreated in confusion.

“Tragically, two security agents were killed in action and another is missing, with their weapons—an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—seized by the terrorists,” according to the statement.

The Army announced that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and troops continued to pursue the fleeing militants.

The statement reported that contact was reestablished with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community. During the ensuing firefight, one of the dissidents was neutralized and others retreated into a nearby forest due to the troops’ overwhelming firepower. An AK-47 rifle complete with a fully loaded magazine was recovered from the scene. The troops then continued their pursuit into Umalouma Forest, where they engaged in another intense exchange of gunfire.

“The dissidents ultimately laid down their weapons in the face of the troops’ overwhelming firepower and fled into the dense forest, suffering from severe gunshot wounds. The statement also noted that four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered.”

The Army reassured the public that operations would persist in their mission to track down and eradicate the remaining criminals. “Troops are actively engaged in further exploitation, pursuing injured terrorists and driving them out of their hideouts and medical locations,” said the statement. “We encourage all IPOB/ESN members and other criminals hiding in remote areas to surrender to nearby troops or face defeat, as our Brigade is committed to ensuring that the people of Imo enjoy a peaceful Yuletide season without fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army has urged the residents of Imo State to keep supplying prompt intelligence information to aid in combating criminal activities and eliminate lawlessness from the state.