Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed four gunmen alleged to be members of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) at Ihiala town in Anambra State.

Also, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation leading to the death of a gallant officer and a soldier while two sustained injuries.

The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Star on Wednesday.

Nwachukwu stated that the gunmen were killed after the army received a distress call that the assailants were enforcing a sit-at-home order, shooting sporadically around a filling station in Ihiala town.

The army spokesperson further noted that the troops engaged the gunmen and killed their leader, one Ejike, and three others.

He added that items recovered from the gunmen after the shootout include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges, substances suspected to be cannabis, amongst others.

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“Sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault. One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.

“While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public are enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region,” Nwachukwu stated.

TheStar