Biafra: Army confirms killing of 11 ESN, IPOB members in Imo

 

The Nigerian army has confirmed the killing of eleven members of the Eastern Security Network ESN and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB in Orlu, Imo State.

 

NigerianEye earlier reported that some hoodlums suspected to be IPOB members were on Thursday night gunned down when they attacked the Orlu Divisional Police Headquarters in the state.

 

A Joint security operatives of the Nigerian Police, Army and the Air Force, repelled the assailants on Thursday night and recovered seven vehicles, assorted ammunition and other items from the attackers.

 

Confirming the incident, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima, in a statement on Friday said no soldier died during the gun battle that lasted for hours.

 

He said, “A gang of IPOB/ESN terrorists mounted in vehicles on Thursday, 6 May 2021, stormed Orlu town with intention to attack the compound housing the Area Command and Police Station in Orlu LGA of Imo State.

 

“The attackers were resisted by vigilant police personnel at the Area Command and were completely obliterated when a reinforcement team of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force arrived at the scene.

 

“The assailants, who had been on the radar of the Joint Technical Intelligence Team, were said to have come from a Forest Camp in Ideato North LGA of Imo State, from where they mobilised and planned the failed attack.

 

“Following the encounter, eleven IPOB/ESN Terrorists were neutralised while four AK47, one G3 and one Pump Action rifle as well as a Berretta pistol, charms and assorted ammunition were recovered. All the seven operational vehicles used for the attack were demobilised and as such the remaining terrorists escaped on foot with fatal injuries.

 

“There were no casualties on the side of the security forces. Law-abiding citizens in the area are advised to look out for strange persons with gunshot injuries and report same to the nearest security agency for the safety of their communities.”