The Nigerian Army’s 34 Brigade Obinze killed four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The IPOB militants were killed in a shootout in Amaifeke and Ihioma in Imo State’s Orlu Local Government Area.
In a statement, Army spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu said the terrorists were killed on Monday while firing randomly, endangering the lives and property of innocent civilians.
“The irate dissidents opened fire on sighting the patrol team, who were out to ensure safety and security of lives and property of citizens.
“The vigilant troops engaged the criminals and neutralized four of them, while others succumbed to the superior firepower of the troops and escaped from the scene,” he said.
Nwachukwu stated that items collected after the encounter included a pump-action short pistol, ten live cartridges, and a Hilux pickup, which was allegedly taken at gunpoint by the irredentists on Sunday, mobile handsets, and charms.
“Members of the public are please enjoined to provide credible information on the movement of the criminal elements to security agencies, whenever sighted in their communities,” he said.