Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade Garrison under 6 Division have destroyed an enclaved of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Asaba, Delta State.
In a statement signed by Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army said the successful clearance operation was recorded today, Saturday.
According to the statement, the ongoing clearance operation is part of sustained effort to rid Nigeria of criminality.
The Army spokesman said the troops conducted a raid operation on the fortified enclave located in the middle of a forested High ground in the early hours of the day.
“The gallant troops overpowered the IPOB fighters in the exchange of fire that followed the encounter, compelling them to abandon their hideout in disarray.
“The troops captured one of the fleeing fighters and recovered five AK 47 Rifles, three Pump Action Semi Automatic Rifles, one G3 Rifle and one single barrel gun.
“Other items recovered, include Live Cartridges, Electric Saw, Machetes, an Axe and IPOB flag.
“The troops have destroyed the enclave and are exploiting the forest in pursuit of the fleeing fighters,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja commended the troops and other security agencies for their effort in the ongoing operations, charging them to sustain the momentum to restore sanity in the region.