The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two of its soldiers were killed and several weapons seized by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The attack took place in Osina, Imo State, a region that has been a hotspot for clashes between military forces and separatist groups.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Army explained that the incident occurred while troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade were responding to a distress call regarding an attack by IPOB/ESN on Osina Community.
Upon arrival, the soldiers engaged the attackers with overwhelming firepower, reportedly killing several militants. However, the statement did not provide a specific number of casualties among the ESN operatives.
“Unfortunately, two security agents were killed in action, and one other is missing,” the statement read. “Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were carted away by the terrorists.”
The Army also confirmed the recovery of the bodies of the slain soldiers and stated that a pursuit of the militants was underway.
According to the, troops later made contact with the militants again in Nkwachi Community, where one ESN member was neutralised and several weapons were recovered, including an AK-47 rifle.
The pursuit continued deep into the Umalouma forest, where further firefights broke out.
The Army claimed that the militants, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, abandoned their weapons and fled into the forest with severe injuries. In total, the Army recovered six AK-47 rifles, a Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines.
The Nigerian Army has urged the public to assist in providing intelligence on the whereabouts of the remaining militants to help rid the region of criminal activities. “We will continue to ensure the people of Imo State can celebrate the Yuletide season in peace,” the statement added.
