The Nigerian Army has debunked the reports that troops of Headquarters 82 Division invaded Amangu community in Abia State.

The army stated that the troops were in the community to rescue a soldier, Bassey Ikunugwan, who was abducted by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) along the Okwu-Ebem Road in the Ohafia area of Abia State last Wednesday.

The Nigerian Army made this known via a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu stated: “On 2 November 2022, a soldier named Staff Sergeant Bassey Ikunugwan, who was officially on leave pass, was abducted along Road Okwu-Ebem Ohafia in Abia State.

“Consequently, on Thursday 3 November 2022, acting on credible intelligence report, troops embarked on a Search and Rescue Operation at Amangu Village/Forest, having confirmed same as an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) enclave, where the soldier was reportedly held hostage.

“During the search and rescue operations, contact was made with members of the proscribed armed groups resulting in exchange of fire.

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“In continuation of the search and rescue operations, on 4 November 2022, troops deployed at Okon Aku in Abia State came in contact with members of the armed groups, during which troops neutralised one of the criminals and recovered one AK 47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 7 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and one mobile phone.”

The Army spokesperson noted that in a follow-up operation on November 5, the troops raided another enclave of the gunmen around Amangu village in Abia State, adding that the troops killed two of the assailants while some fled with gunshot wounds.

Nwachukwu stated that the troops also recovered two locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, four Pump Action guns, one locally made Pistol, one Sniper rifle, six magazines, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), and one motorcycle.

According to him, other items recovered from the gunmen were two CCTV cameras, one solar panel, flags, one walkie-talkie, two mobile phones, two pamphlets of Biafran anthem, one Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) box, 12 face caps, machetes, pairs of combat boots, pairs of rain boot, camouflage uniforms, one transistor radio, two jungle hats, two knee guards, one power bank, one INEC image capturing machine and a PVC.

“Sadly, during these engagements, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice.

“The Nigerian Army will leave no stone unturned in the search of the abducted soldier. The NA assures the general public that all operations will be conducted within the ambit of the law and in line with global best practices, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conducts guiding NA operations.

“It should be clear to all that criminal acts of attack on and abduction of service personnel is an act against the State which will not go without consequences. The recourse to employment of propaganda by these criminal elements will not deter the Army from carrying out its constitutional mandate.

“Law-abiding citizens of Amangu community are also advised to go about their legitimate businesses without panic, as the military is always on ground to protect lives and properties,” he added.

The Star