By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, have neutralised three suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a joint operation in Anambra.
This is contained in a military operational report to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The report said the operation followed actionable intelligence on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, ESN, who were allegedly operating in military camouflage and police uniforms within the state.
It added that troops of Sector 5, in conjunction with other security agencies, launched the operation around the Ogboji axis in Orumba South Local Government Area on Tuesday.
According to the report, the troops swiftly mobilised from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata and trailed the suspects after receiving intelligence on their activities.
The report said the suspects were reportedly sighted in a white Toyota Sienna vehicle along the Ogboji-Ajali road, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the joint security team.
“Following the firefight, troops neutralised three ESN members and subsequently exploited the area.
“Items recovered include one PKM machine gun with a belt containing 53 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two live cartridges and four improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Other items recovered were a white Toyota Sienna vehicle, 10 Android phones, two button phones, a laptop and other sundry items,” it said.
The troops also recovered two First Bank ATM cards bearing the names Ejima Peter and Uzodike Charles, as well as a National Identification Number (NIN) card and a driver’s licence belonging to Ejima Peter.
It added that troops were continuing exploitation of the area and conducting searches for other suspected members of the group who may have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The military said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the South-East region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)