The Nigerian Army says two soldiers have been killed and one declared missing following a shootout with suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Osina, Ideato North LGA of Imo state.
ESN is the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Joseph Akubo, spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.
Akubo added that the clash occurred on Friday when troops responded to a distress call about an attack by IPOB/ESN fighters while returning from a routine patrol.
“The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray,” he said.
“Regrettably, two security agents were killed in action, while another remains missing. Their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher, were seized by the terrorists.”
He said the bodies of the soldiers were recovered as troops pursued the fleeing assailants.
Akubo added that the troops later intercepted the suspected fighters at Nkwachi community, leading to another “intense gunfight”.
“During this engagement, one of the dissidents was neutralised, while others fled into a nearby forest, unable to withstand the troops’ superior firepower. An AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered during this operation,” he added.
He stated that the troops pursued the assailants into Umalouma forest, where they faced resistance.
“Overwhelmed by the troops’ firepower, the dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled into the dense forest with severe injuries,” he said.
The spokesperson said five AK-47 rifles, one fabrique nationale rifle, two magazines, and a tear gas launcher were recovered.
“We appeal to peace-loving residents of Imo State to support ongoing military operations by providing timely intelligence on the movements and hideouts of these criminals,” he added.
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