Two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives and one remains missing after a gun battle with suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The tragic incident occurred on Friday in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State, south-east Nigeria.
Captain Joseph Akubo, spokesperson of the 34 Artillery Brigade, disclosed the details in a statement on Saturday, shedding light on the unfolding violence that has rocked the region.
According to Captain Akubo, the troops, who were returning from a routine patrol, responded to a distress call about an attack in Osina. The soldiers, armed with “overwhelming firepower,” confronted the suspected IPOB/ESN fighters.
“The dissidents, caught off guard, retreated in disarray,” Akubo stated. “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.”
The fallen soldiers’ bodies were recovered, and troops immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing attackers.
The pursuit led to another intense encounter in Nkwachi Community, where the troops intercepted the suspected fighters. Captain Akubo confirmed that one IPOB fighter was neutralised during the shootout, while others fled into a nearby forest.
“An AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered during this operation,” he added.
The troops pressed further into Umalouma Forest, resulting in yet another fierce exchange. Overwhelmed by the soldiers’ firepower, the dissidents abandoned their weapons and fled with severe injuries into the dense forest.
Among the weapons recovered were five AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, two magazines, and a tear gas launcher. The Army has vowed to continue tracking the injured fighters and dismantling their hideouts.
Issuing a stern warning, Captain Akubo urged IPOB/ESN fighters to surrender immediately to the nearest military location or face decisive action.
“We remain committed to ensuring Imo State enjoys a peaceful Yuletide season devoid of fear or intimidation,” Akubo said, appealing to residents to support ongoing military operations by providing intelligence on the movements and hideouts of the criminals.
IPOB, a separatist group seeking an independent state of Biafra, has often been linked to deadly attacks in Nigeria’s South-east and South-south regions. The group has repeatedly denied involvement in the violence, but Nigerian security forces continue counter-operations in the region.
The latest attack adds to the growing casualties on both sides, painting a grim picture of the escalating conflict in south-eastern Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army’s latest operation emphasizes the severity of the security challenges in the region, as families of the fallen soldiers mourn their loss. With heightened tensions and ongoing military efforts, the question remains—how long can this cycle of violence persist?
