A combined team of policemen, soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services have gunned down one Commander Ikonta and six other members of the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, in Imo State.
Security sources said the combined security team stormed the hideout of the proscribed IPOB located in Awomama village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, on Saturday, in an early morning raid and killed the men.
It was learnt that three policemen and one army soldier sustained serious gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire with the insurgents and have been admitted in an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
A top security source alleged that the slain IPOB commander and members carried out the attack on the Imo State Police headquarters and the Nigerian Custodial facility early this month.
They were also said to have been behind series of violent attacks on security personnel and formations in the South-East and South-South parts of the country.
According to the source, “As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents, they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.
“The forces eventually neutralised the overall commander of the insurgents in the South-East, popularly known as Commander Ikonso, and six other armed fighters of the insurgent group.
“Commander Ikonso is known as the Vice President- designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo police headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.”
It was gathered that after the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the remains of Ikonso and the six other IPOB operatives as well as six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different calibre, and charms.
Efforts to speak with the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, proved abortive.
Mba did not pick his calls and also did not reply SMS sent to his phone.