By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
TROOPS of the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade Garrison, 6 Division and the Department of State Services (DSS) say they have destroyed an enclave of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Asaba, Delta State,
The operatives also arrested a wounded IPOB/ESN leader, recovered weapons and on the trail of other fleeing renegades of the outlawed group.
The destruction, which was part of a sustained effort to rid Nigeria of criminality, was carried out in the early hours of Saturday.
The troops were said to be conducting a clearance operation, when they chanced on a fortified enclave located in the middle of a forested high ground.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said troops arrested one of the leaders of the renegades and recovered lethal weapons as well as flags.
“The gallant troops overpowered the IPOB fighters in the exchange of fire that followed the encounter, compelling them to abandon their hideout in disarray.
“The troops captured one of the fleeing fighters and recovered five AK 47 Rifles, three Pump Action Semi-Automatic Rifles, one G3 Rifle and one single barrel gun.
“Other items recovered, include Live Cartridges, Electric Saw, Machetes, an Axe and IPOB flag.
“The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters,” he disclosed.
Other items also recovered were four motorcycles, four double barrel guns, five AK 47 Magazines, 18 rounds of Live 7.62mm special ammunition, 6 mobile phones, two power banks, six Boafeng Communication Radios and chargers, an Android phone, one HP Laptop, 13 IPOB flags, one power generating set, one gas cylinder, IPOB uniforms and accoutrements, five improvised Beagles, two ATM cards and a wrist watch.
Stonix News reports that on assumption of office few weeks ago before National Assembly’s confirmation, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has promised to up the game against insurgents.
He, however, commended the troops and other security agencies for their effort in the ongoing operations, charging them to sustain the momentum in restoring sanity in the region.
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