A joint security team took the battle to the camp of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) located in a forest between Oyigbo and Eleme local government areas of Rivers State on Thursday night, killing seven of the members.
Five other members of the ESN were arrested.
The group was said to be preparing for an attack on a police station when the joint security team swooped, apparently acting on a tip off, and engaged the ESN members in a gun duel.
Confirming the development, Deputy Army Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. Charles Ekeocha, said: “6 Division, in conjunction with Keystone, DSS and NSCDC led by Brigadier-General MD Danja, conducted clearance/raid operations at suspected IPOB/ESN camp in Agbochia Forest along Pipelines Road Ogali/ Kom-Kom boundary between Eleme and Oyigbo local government areas of Rivers State.
“During the clearance/raid operations, the team came in contact with the IPOB/ESN members. However, during the firefight, 7 IPOB/ESN members were neutralised and 5 suspects were arrested.
“Items recovered during the clearance/raid include: Communication gadgets, assorted cell phones, army uniforms arms and ammunition were also recovered.
“Also recovered from the camp were two AK 47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one locally made machine gun and one G3 magazine. Also recovered were three rounds of 7.62mm special,10 rounds 7.62mm , 51mm NATO, one cutlass, five Baofeng handheld radios with chargers and 10 black berets.”
Scores feared killed in bandits’ invasion of Niger Community
Also yesterday, gunmen launched fresh attacks on several communities in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State.
A yet to be known numberof people were killed.
Some of the victims were said to have drowned in River Kaduna while running for their lives.
