Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Troops from the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, on Monday raided a forest in Abia occupied by members of Biafra National Guard, and killed three of them.
The Army in a statement, said the forest is located between Ohafia and Arochukwu.
According to the statement made public by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Innocent Omale, weapons including AK-47 and locally-made rocket launcher were recovered during the raid.
It also said a vehicle where the rocket launcher was mounted was equally recovered by the troops.
The statement read: “Troops of the Nigerian Army has made major successes in an operation that was carried out at Igboro forest a boundary between Ohafia and Arochukwu in Abia State.
“The operations was conducted by 14 Brigade Nigerian Army in the early hours of Monday 18 September 2023. On arrival at the general area based on credible, timely and reliable information, troops made contact with the Biafran National Guard an affiliate of the Indigenous People of Biafra and they bowed to troops superior and heavy fire power hence, three of their members were neutralised, while unconfirmed number escaped with varying degrees of gunshots wounds.
“The gun battle lasted for minutes with the self acclaimed Biafran National Guard. The gallant Nigerian Army troops recovered the following items: a locally constructed Improvised Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher with sixteen (16) barrels mounted on vehicle, one locally constructed twelve barrel launcher, one locally constructed four barrels launcher with tripod, six locally constructed rocket launcher, one AK 47 rifle, one locally made den gun and four locally made Improvised Explosive Devices. Others include one Baofeng radio, two cutlasses, one jack knife, five fragmental jackets, military uniforms and boots, one vehicle jack, code of conducts, an android phone and assorted charms.
“The Nigerian Army is calling on well meaning Abians to cooperate with the security agencies and give credible, reliable and timely information that will help in twarting efforts of persons who do not want the peace of our beloved Country Nigeria. It is noteworthy to remind all loyal citizens that peace is a universal language and the Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives, properties of the good citizens and the sovereignty of the Nigerian State .”
