Security Operatives Allegedly Storm IPOB’s Eastern Security Network Base, Kill Commander, Six Others
Operatives of Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts from Nigerian Army and Department of State Services, in a joint operation, on Saturday stormed operational headquarters of Eastern Security Network in Awomama Village, Oru East LGA of Imo State, it has emerged.
Eastern Security Network was recently established by proscribed group, Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
According to multiple reports, the joint force killed one Commander Ikonta and six other militia members in Imo State.
The men were killed during an early morning raid on their hideout at Awomama village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, on Saturday.
Three policemen and one army officer sustained serious bullet injuries during the exchange of gunfire with the insurgents and are presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The group has also been accused of launching several isolated attacks on security personnel at different locations in the South-East and South-South.
According to PRNigeria, an intelligence officer said that the group’s fighters opened fire as security forces approached their hideout in Awomama village on Saturday.
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The source said;
In a clinical response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly. The forces eventually neutralised 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 and 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 informant added;
The operation is part of a deliberate effort by the police and other security forces to quell the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other states of the South East and South-South region of the country.
After the battle, the remains of Ikonso and others killed were recovered. Six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different calibre, bulletproof charms, among others, were found.
Three policemen and one army officer are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the fight.
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The source said, “As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents, they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.
“The forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the insurgents in the South-East popularly known as Commander Ikonso and six other armed fighters of the insurgent group.
“Commander Ikonso is known as the Vice President- designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo police headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.”
After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the remains of Ikonso and his fighters, including six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different calibre, and charms.
The force spokesman, Frank Mba, failed to respond to inquiries on the operation when contacted.
