Army Kills 13 IPOB Members, Arrest 3 Kidnappers in S’East
The Joint Task Force South-East, “Operation UDO KA,” says it has gunned down 13 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and 3 kidnappers in the South-Eastern of Nigeria.
The Task Force Spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, revealed this in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday.
According to him, the Task Force was focused on its clearance operations in the region in a bid to ensure peace during the Christmas celebrations.
Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, is said to have beckoned on Nigerians to lend their support to the task force in its ongoing efforts.
“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.
“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line -193 and press Option 2—to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA,” he stated.
Also Read: Bianca Ojukwu’s Appointment: Can It Sway Southeast Votes or Quell IPOB Agitations?
Unuakhalu revealed that troops of Sector 1 of the task force carried out an ambush operation along Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, December 21, to check the activities of kidnappers.
One of the kidnappers was arrested while three were severely injured in their escape.
He confirmed that, “Items recovered at the scene were: one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell phones; one power bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch; a bunch of keys; and the sum of N8,900.”
On December 16, troops of Sector 5 carried out a clearance operation in Mbosi and Isseke general areas in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, the Spokesman revealed.
He noted that three IPOB members were neutralised in the operation.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines, and three Dane guns, while a house belonging to one of the irredentist commanders and a shrine used for their fortification were destroyed.
“The gallant troops had earlier recovered five water gel Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and two batteries used for detonating the IEDs while on routine patrol along roads within Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu general areas in Anambra State,” he said.
He further disclosed that, on December 14, troops apprehended 3 suspected kidnappers at Itungwa in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
“The suspects operating in a stolen tricycle on sighting the troops attempted to make a U-turn but were apprehended.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made single-barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two G3 rifle magazines, and one live cartridge.
“Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of N6,600, and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he revealed.
