Troops Eliminate Bomb Expert Allegedly Linked to IPOB and ESN

Troops from the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully neutralized an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) specialist reportedly associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Orsu, Ihitteukwa, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The operation, detailed in a Facebook post by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, occurred on Thursday.

According to the post, the joint troops consisting of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies were conducting a clearance operation around Udaah, Identa Ihitteukwa, and Awo Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of the state when they encountered the attackers.

During the operation, the criminal elements engaged the troops by opening fire, throwing hand-held IEDs, and launching locally made rockets (Ogbunigwe) at them.

“While the troops advanced, several IEDs were detonated by the terrorists who fled in disarray. One of the dissidents was neutralised, while connecting the explosive to its power source.

“Items recovered include locally made rocket launchers, defused IEDs, pipes, wires and other materials used in the production of explosives and locally made rocket launchers. The troops also covered several ditches used as obstacles on the roads linking the communities by the ESN elements.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to conduct its operations to deter the irredentist from freedom of action,” the statement added.