- * Recover AK-47 Rifles, Vehicles, Ammunition
By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief/Defence Correspondent)
Troops of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, at the weekend, neutralized four gunmen of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in a fierce encounter at Nnobi Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state.
This followed the assailants' armed attack on personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Round About in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during which troops swiftly mobilized to the scene and subsequently embarked on the pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi - Nnobi road.
Troops made contact with the fleeing gunmen and engaged them in a firefight, neutralizing four of the criminals.
The gallant troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one GALIL Ace 5.56 x 45 Iwi Gun, one Avofeng Handheld radio, and one Black Highlander jeep. Sadly, the personnel of one of the security agencies paid the supreme price.
In a separate operation, troops have foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN gunmen at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area. The vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning, one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, one dark blue Ford, and four motorcycles, which the troops have recovered.
The Nigerian Army notes that the recent attacks are part of the proscribed IPOB/ESN plan to instil fear into the public and sabotage the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.
They also reassured the members of the public that the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies will not relent in resolutely confronting all criminals intents against the citizenry and national interest.
"Law-abiding citizens are enjoined to continue to go about their daily activities without any fear. They are also encouraged to report any unusual activity observed across Anambra State to the nearest security post", the Army said in a statement by its Director, Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu. NNL.
