Troops neutralise notorious IPOB commander, Tochukwu,

Troops of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel of other security agencies have eliminated a notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, known as Tochukwu, alias Ojoto and two others in encounter at the their camp at Ihiteukwa in Imo.

The post on the Nigerian Army X Handle on Tuesday said the operation was conducted with personnel of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

It said the troops conducted a successful special clearance operation across the general areas of Udda, Ihiteukwa, and Orsumoghu, along the borders of Orsu and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Imo and Anambra States, respectively.

The army added that the troops encountered members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) who had been using the area as a sanctuary.

The army said the insurgents, on sighting troops, employed guerrilla tactics, lobbing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from concealed positions and  riddling the roads with booby traps.

According to the army, in spite of the terrorists’ guerrilla tactics, troops maintained their resolve and countered the attacks with tactical precision, employing superior firepower to neutralise Tochukwu and two others.

“The operation led to the recovery of firearms, communication devices, narcotics, and personal effects of the terrorists. Notably, two undetonated IEDs, six  detonated IEDs and bomb-making materials were captured by the gallant troops.

“The operation has  dealt a significant blow to the terrorists’ networks in the region.

“The IEDs and bomb-making materials were safely destroyed,” it said.

Army said that its troops had in another operation in Cross River, engaged in a fierce gun battle with a group of  suspected kidnappers in the remote community of Akparanbong in Ikom Local Government Area.

It said that the troops, while on routine patrol stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to a gun battle that forced the kidnappers to retreat hastily leaving behind teo AK 47 Rifles, six Magazines, variety of ammunition and three mobile phones.

According to the army, all the items have been recovered by the troops. (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje