Troops of the Joint Task Force in the South-East code-named “Operation UDO KA” have killed five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Anambra State.
The Spokesman of Operation UDO KA, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu.
He said five other suspected members of the group were arrested in the state.
Unuakhalu said: “The gallant troops who were on clearance operation to identify IPOB/ESN Ogunka Camp in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State came in contact with the irredentists on arrival at the camp.
“During the firefight, the irredentists attempted to flee through their escape route but were engaged by the blocking force neutralising five of them.
“Items recovered from the group include two AK 47 rifles, one pump action gun, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs,) and a 12V/75 amp battery used for detonating the IEDs.
“In the same vein, on January 13, troops of the sector deployed at Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra apprehended five suspected IPOB/ESN members.
“The suspects were arrested while driving a black Ford Edge with registration number Abuja ABC 535 AE coming from Ogboji Aguluzenechikwu Road of Aguata LGA.
“The suspects on reaching the Forward Operating Base (FOB) checkpoint decided to open the barricades to gain access into the base, however, the vigilant troops were able to stop them.
“On further search of the vehicle, the troops recovered one locally-made pistol, three live cartridges, and nine mobile phones.”