Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the code name OPERATION UDO KA have neutralized six suspected terrorists following a raid on the camp of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State on Saturday.
The Nigerian Army announced the operation on its X handle on Sunday, stating that the raid aimed to apprehend the suspected killers of soldiers in the state.
During the intelligence-led operation, troops encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along their axis of advance, resulting in one soldier sustaining minor injuries from the fragments.
“The terrorists’ feeble firefight was adequately subdued with superior firepower that led to the neutralization of six members of the criminal terrorist group, while others escaped into adjoining bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, as blood stains were seen along their escape routes,” the Army’s statement read.
The gallant troops recovered three locally fabricated Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, two locally fabricated artillery guns with tripods and their bombs. Other items recovered included dane guns, Biafran flags, and Toyota Tundra and Hilux vehicles, which were burned in situ. Additionally, all of their camps, adorned with various inscriptions, were destroyed.
The Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA called on the people of Abia to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to help eliminate the criminals in the state and the entire South-East Nigeria.
This operation follows the killing of six soldiers last week in an attack by the IPOB/ESN at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area, adjoining Aba metropolis. Troops of Operation UDO KA were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens when the attackers, arriving in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and other vehicles from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, launched their assault. Six civilians were also killed in the crossfire.
In response to the killing of the soldiers, the Military, through a statement by its spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, vowed to retaliate brutally. “The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.”
The statement emphasized the critical role of public support in combating terrorism: “Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalized on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliates against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
The IPOB/ESN terrorists had launched the attack on the soldiers while enforcing a sit-at-home order across the South-East.
 and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State on Saturday.){kind=link}