No fewer than 13 armed men suspected to be members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed, and three kidnappers were arrested recently in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Naija News understand that the operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, operating under “Operation UDO KA.”
The task force’s spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu.
He indicated that this achievement is part of the troops’ ongoing clearance operations aimed at ensuring safety and peace in the South-East during the festive season.
Unuakhalu further stated that the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, has urged all responsible citizens to continue their support for the joint task force.
He emphasized that residents of the South-East can assist by providing timely, reliable, and credible information.
Regarding operational specifics, Unuakhalu reported that on December 21, troops from Sector 1 of the task force executed an ambush operation along Amouka-Umouka Road in the 9th Mile area of Udi Local Government, aimed at restricting the activities of kidnappers.
During this operation, the troops encountered the kidnappers, and in the subsequent exchange of gunfire, one kidnapper was neutralised while others fled with injuries.
“Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.
“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line -193 and press Option 2—to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA,” Unuakhalu said.
Items recovered at the scene of the operations include one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell phones; one power bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch; a bunch of keys; and the sum of ₦8,900, Naija News understands.
The spokesman also said that on December 16, troops of Sector 5 conducted a clearance operation within Mbosi and Isseke general areas in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, where three IPOB members were neutralised.
“Items recovered included one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines, and three Dane guns, while a house belonging to one of the irredentist commanders and a shrine used for their fortification were destroyed.
“The gallant troops had earlier recovered five water gel Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and two batteries used for detonating the IEDs while on routine patrol along roads within Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu general areas in Anambra State,” Unuakhalu said.
On December 14, it was reported that troops, acting on credible and reliable intelligence provided by members of the public, apprehended three individuals suspected of kidnapping in Itungwa, located within the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
Upon receiving information regarding the movement of these alleged kidnappers, the troops promptly established a temporary checkpoint to facilitate the capture of the suspects.
“The suspects operating in a stolen tricycle on sighting the troops, attempted to make a U-turn but were apprehended.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made single-barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two G3 rifle magazines, and one live cartridge.
“Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of ₦6,600, and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he said.
