The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two of its soldiers during a confrontation with operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Nigerian Army, the incident occurred when troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to a distress call about an IPOB/ESN attack on Osina Community.
The Army revealed that on arrival, its troops engaged the assailants with overwhelming firepower, killing some of them.
However, the number of casualties among the attackers was not disclosed. The statement added that the dissidents fled in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents were killed in action, and one other is missing in action. Their weapons, an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were carted away by the terrorists,” the statement said.
The corpses of the slain soldiers have been recovered, while troops continue to pursue the fleeing attackers.
The Army further disclosed that its troops re-engaged the assailants at Nkwachi Community, neutralizing one of them during a firefight.
The remaining members reportedly retreated into nearby forests.
The statement read, “One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered. The unrelenting troops continued to pursue the remnants into Umalouma forest, where another heavy firefight ensued.
The dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled with severe gunshot injuries.”
During the operation, the Army recovered six AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, five magazines, and a tear gas launcher.
The Army vowed to continue trailing the injured attackers and smoking them out of their hideouts.
It called on the operatives of IPOB/ESN to surrender to the nearest troops or face decisive action.
The Army urged residents of Imo State to assist the military by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of the attackers.
It also assured the people of a peaceful and secure Yuletide season.
Imo State has been plagued by violence since 2021, following the controversial Supreme Court judgment that declared Senator Hope Uzodinma as governor, despite his fourth-place finish in the 2019 election.
The political instability has reportedly exacerbated insecurity, with IPOB/ESN clashes frequently escalating into violent confrontations between separatist groups and the military.
While the Army continues its operations to rid the state of criminal elements, reports of military raids on communities and markets in the name of fighting separatists have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and residents alike.
Efforts to restore peace in the region remain ongoing.