The Nigerian Army and Navy troops, on Tuesday, neutralized five armed men in a gun duel at identified IPOB/ESN camps in Ejemekuru in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.
In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Abuja on Wednesday, the troops overpowered the armed separatists’ resistance with overwhelming firepower, and recovered a significant cache of dangerous weapons.
Nwachukwu said weapons recovered included one AK-47 rifle, Pump-action Semi-automatic rifles, one locally fabricated gun, two magazines and three rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
According to him, the troops also recovered two motorcycles, two mobile handsets and a camouflage jungle hat.
He equally said the troops deployed for counter-insurgency operations in the North West, successfully rescued 15 kidnap victims in Tsohuwar Tasha area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara.
He said the vigilant troops responded swiftly to a distress call, and immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident where they engaged the kidnappers in a shootout.
Nwachukwu said troops overpowered the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their victims and scampered into the forest.
”All abductees were rescued unharmed.
”The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its commitment to mitigating security challenges in troubled areas of the country.
”We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies, as we continue in our efforts to ensure peace and security in the country,” he said