Tension In Imo: IPOB’s Armed Wing Ambushes, Kills Two Soldiers, Army Reacts

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers in an attack by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident occurred on Friday in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area, Imo State.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Army disclosed that troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade were returning from a routine patrol when they responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN assault on the Osina community.

According to the Army, its troops engaged the attackers with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

While the Army did not provide details on casualties among the IPOB/ESN operatives, it confirmed the loss of two soldiers and reported that their weapons were stolen during the confrontation.

Describing IPOB and ESN as “dissidents,” the Army reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in the South-East region.

“Unfortunately, two security personnel were killed in action, and one is missing in action. An AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher were stolen by the terrorists,” the statement read.

The Army added that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered and that troops pursued the fleeing attackers.

“Contact was reestablished with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community. In the ensuing firefight, one dissident was neutralized while others fled into a nearby forest under heavy gunfire. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered,” the statement continued.

The pursuit led to another firefight in Umalouma Forest, where the attackers abandoned their weapons under intense pressure from the troops’ superior firepower.

“A total of six AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and five magazines were recovered,” the Army stated, reaffirming its resolve to eliminate all threats to national security.