The Nigerian Army says its troops and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have destroyed an enclave of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Asaba, Delta.
Director, army public relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu who disclosed this in a statement said the raid was conducted by troops of 63 Brigade Garrison under 6 Division and operatives of SSS in a clearance operation on Saturday.
He said the operation was part of the sustained effort to rid Nigeria of criminality.
According to the Army Spokesman,the troops conducted a raid operation on the fortified enclave located in the middle of a forested high ground in the early hours of Saturday.
He said the gallant troops overpowered the IPOB fighters in the exchange of fire that followed the encounter, compelling them to abandon their hideout in disarray.
Nwachukwu said one of the fighters was captured and several arms and other dangerous weapons recovered while the troops are currently combing the forest to fish out the fleeing members of the proscribed organisation.
“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 Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops and other security agencies for their effort in the ongoing operations and has charged them to sustain the momentum to restore sanity in the region,” he added.
