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Two Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a gun battle with suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Joseph Akubo, spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the incident occurred on Friday in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area, Imo State, located in southeastern Nigeria.
The Incident
Captain Akubo explained that the soldiers, who were returning from their regular patrol, responded to a distress call reporting an attack by IPOB/ESN militants in Osina. The troops, armed with “overwhelming firepower,” engaged the militants in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The militants, caught off guard, retreated in disarray. Unfortunately, two soldiers lost their lives in the clash, while one soldier remains unaccounted for,” he said.
During the engagement, the militants abandoned their weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher.
“The bodies of the fallen soldiers were recovered, and efforts to pursue the fleeing militants were immediately initiated,” Akubo added.
IPOB Fighter Neutralized in Follow-up Clash
Akubo reported that the troops later intercepted the fleeing IPOB/ESN fighters at Nkwachi Community, leading to another shootout. “One militant was neutralized, while others fled into nearby forests after being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower,” he stated.
The military also recovered an AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine during this operation.
The pursuit continued into the Umalouma Forest, where a severe confrontation took place. Akubo confirmed that the militants, overwhelmed by the troops, abandoned their weapons and fled with severe injuries.
The military recovered five AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, two magazines, and one tear gas launcher from the scene.
Call for Surrender
Captain Akubo emphasized that the military is continuing to track the injured IPOB/ESN fighters and is taking steps to dismantle their hideouts. He called on the militants and other criminals to “surrender at the nearest military unit or face decisive action.”
He also reassured the people of Imo State, stressing that the Brigade is committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure holiday season free from fear and intimidation.
“We encourage peace-loving citizens to assist ongoing military operations by providing valuable intelligence on the whereabouts and hideouts of these criminals,” Akubo urged, highlighting that public cooperation is essential for effective crime-fighting.
IPOB, which advocates for the creation of an independent Biafra in southeastern Nigeria, has been blamed for several violent attacks in the region, although the group has repeatedly denied any involvement.
In response, Nigerian security forces, especially the military, have intensified operations against IPOB militants and other separatist factions, with numerous casualties reported on both sides during these ongoing confrontations in the Southeast.