Troops Neutralise Terrorists In Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo Operations

Troops of “Operation UDO KA II” in the South East conducted a clearance operation on terrorists’ hideout in Orsumoghu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, who stated this at the weekend in Enugu, said the troops neutralised two terrorists. He added that the clearance operation centred on suspected hideouts of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN). Unuakhalu stated that the terrorist group deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to slow down the troops, but the latter were undaunted. “The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. “Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer. “Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe),” he stated. Unuakhalu added that troops of Sector 2 of the “Operation UDO KA II’’ arrested a suspected gunrunner on Thursday while on a search-and-rescue mission at Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi. He stated that the suspected gunrunner, one Francis Nwekire, 63, was arrested in his house with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition. “Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout. “Items recovered from the hideout were one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK 47 magazine. “Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogation,’’ he stated. Unuakhalu also stated that troops of Naval Base, Oguta, under “Operation UDO KA II’’ began “Operation IRON TETE’’ on Friday to flush out IPOB/ESN elements from Agwa community in Imo. He added that during the operation, an identified member of the group, a known local gun fabricator nicknamed “Packing Store’’ was neutralised. He stated that items recovered during the operation were one pump-action rifle, one locally-made pistol and a head warmer with IPOB inscription. “Operation UDO KA II calls on law-abiding citizens of the Southeast not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region. “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,’’ Unuakhalu stressed. 

Troops Rescue 6 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise One Bandit In Kaduna

The 1 Division Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims and one bandit neutralised in Kaduna State. The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna, saod that the victims where rescued on Friday. Yahaya said that the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results. He said, “The troop acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state. “The gallant troops quickly mobilized, embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued. “During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds. “The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander operation Whirl Punch Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience.” Yahaya also charged them to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s ‘Area of Responsibility’ are completely eradicated. He also appealed to all paramedics to be on lookout for persons with gunshot wounds, report to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action.