The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army says troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, on an intelligence-led patrol mission to Imezi-Owa community, Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State, foiled an ambush attack.

The division said that the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, foiled the attack by suspected terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Enugu.

Mr Ayeni said that the patrol on May 6 was a follow-up to the tracking of terrorist collaborators in the community.

He said that while troops were advancing on foot to the community, they were attacked from a building, resulting in injuries to three personnel.

According to him, in spite of the attack, troops maintained operational dominance, foiled the attack and secured the general area, while the injured personnel were promptly evacuated.

The army spokesman said that the wounded personnel were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

He said, “During the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) stored by the terrorists in the building used as their hideout detonated, and triggered a fire outbreak that destroyed the hideout.

“Subsequent searches around the general area uncovered more IEDs, improvised hand grenades and a shrine used for ritual activities.

“The shrine was thoroughly combed and destroyed. This is to prevent continued usage for criminal activities and to safeguard the community members.

“One collaborator was apprehended during the exploitation around the general area.

“The detained suspect and recovered items have been handed over to the Nigerian Police, Ezeagu Division, for further investigation.”

Mr Ayeni reassured the general public that ongoing operations were conducted with utmost professionalism and a firm commitment to protecting lives and property.

He called on law-abiding citizens of Imezi-Owa community and its environs to remain calm, desist from harbouring criminal elements and cooperate with security agencies.

“Headquarters Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA hereby warns members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and their sympathisers to desist from illegal activities or face the full consequences of their actions as usual.

“Security forces remain resolute in their determination to build peace in the region and will continue to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists any freedom of action,” he added. 

(NAN)