Nigerian security forces carried out a joint operation in
Imo State, less than three weeks after public assets were allegedly attacked by
IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN).
ESN is the militia wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The federal government had proscribed the organisation led by fugitive Nnamdi
Kanu.
Though Kanu fled Nigeria after he was granted bail, he still
commands a cult followership in the nation’s east. A number of other Igbo
people across Nigeria and abroad believe in his agitation for Biafra.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army and
Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the operational headquarters of ESN
in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo.
Security agencies blame the secessionists for the attack on
the Police headquarters in Imo and the headquarters of the Nigerian
Correctional Service (NCoS) on April 5, 2021.
IPOB and ESN have also been indicted in several isolated
attacks on security personnel at different locations in the South-East and
South-South.
An intelligence officer told PRNigeria that group’s fighters
opened fire as security forces approached their hideout.
“In a clinical response, the joint security forces fought
back gallantly. The forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the
insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six other
armed fighters.
“Ikonso is the Vice President designate as well as the
coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was the mastermind
of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on
security and military personnel and facilities.
“The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police
and other security forces to quel the activities of insurgents in Imo State and
other States of the South East and South South region of the country,” the
source said.
After battle, the remains of Ikonso and others killed were
recovered. Six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber, bullet
proof charms, among others, were found.
Three policemen and one army officer are receiving treatment
for injuries sustained during the fight.
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