Military kills seven militias as troops raid IPOB hideout in Abia

Troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations killed no fewer than five terrorists in Kaduna State.

The terrorists were killed during a two-day fighting patrol conducted by the troops in the Kajuru and Kachia local government areas.

According to a post on Sunday by the Nigerian Army on X, the troops recovered a fabricated submachine gun and nine AK-47 rifles, among others.

The post read, “In Kaduna State, troops, in a decisive operation, conducted a two-day fighting patrol to Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas, during which they engaged and neutralised five terrorists in fierce combat at Dantarau. After defeating the terrorists, the gallant troops recovered a cache of arms, including two AK-47 rifles, one fabricated submachine gun, nine AK-47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two motorcycles, and two handheld radios.

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“This victory significantly disrupted terrorists’ activities along the Maro-Enugu community axis, bolstering security in the general area.”

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, also confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

“Credible human intelligence sources confirmed the successful operation resulting in several bandits taken out during the mission. Some of the bandits sustained injuries and are reported to be lurking around the general area in need of medical support.

“Locals in the general area are warned to desist from providing medical support to questionable individuals without recourse to the nearest security agencies,” Aruwan said.

The commissioner quoted the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as commending the “Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshall, NN Ananaba, and his team, for the outstanding contribution to the security of the state.”

“The governor urged the military to keep up the momentum of operations,” Aruwan said.

The service also said troops raided the hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the Arochukwu LGA of Abia State.

The LGA was where five soldiers were killed on May 30 when IPOB declared a sit-at-home to mark Biafra Heroes Day.

The Army noted during the operation, the troops encountered three Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the IPOB fighters.

The service added the fighters were overpowered and locally-fabricated weapons were recovered from the camp.

It, however, said a soldier was injured during the operation.

“In Abia State, troops conducted a successful raid operation on an identified IPOB/ESN enclave located in Igboro Forest, in the Arochukwu Local Government Area. Despite encountering three IEDs planted by the terrorists, troops successfully recovered three locally-fabricated Rocket-Propelled Grenades and a locally-fabricated artillery gun.

“The terrorists were forced to flee, as they succumbed to the superior firepower of the troops. One soldier, who sustained a minor injury from shrapnel, is receiving medical attention and recuperating. The destruction of this camp represents a significant blow to the terrorist elements operating in the area, “ the post stated.

In Zamafara, the Army stated that troops foiled a kidnap attempt and killed two terrorists during the operation.

The post said, “Relatedly in Zamfara State, troops deployed along the Gusau-Tsafe-Funtua road, responding to a distress call, successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt in the Angwan Chida area of the Tsafe Local Government Area.

“During the rescue operation, troops engaged the terrorists attempting to abduct occupants of a Toyota Corolla in a fierce shootout, neutralising two terrorists and rescuing four passengers. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the vehicle involved in the attempted abduction.”

Source: The Punch