Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Ihioma community in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

This was disclosed via a statement issued and made available to The Star on Monday by the army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu.

Nwachukwu revealed that the IPOB member was killed on Sunday by the troops.

He said: “Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) on Sunday, April 17, 2022, neutralized a member of the proscribed  Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and its armed affiliate  Eastern Security  Network(ESN) at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

“Troops on routine patrol encountered members of the irredentist group who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order on law-abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses.

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“The IPOB/ESN criminals on sighting the troops withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma Community for reinforcement.

“In the fire fight that ensued during the operation, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray.

“Troops are combing the general area in a follow up operations to track down the fleeing dissidents.

“Having suffered casualty and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the irredentist group have resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops complicity in their mindless atrocities

“This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety,” the army spokesperson stated.

The Star