A gunman identified as the Commander of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was killed by Nigerian Army troops belonging to the 34 Artillery Brigade in Imo.
Troops reported that they came across members of the separatist organization who were firing sporadically at Banana Junction in the state’s Orlu Local Government Area, while they were enforcing their “illegal sit- at-home’’ order on law-abiding citizens.
The commander was killed during a gun battle at Ihioma Community in Orlu, according to Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who issued a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The IPOB/ESN offenders withdrew from the gun duel in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma locality for reinforcement, according to Nwachukwu.
“In the gun battle that ensued, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing dissidents.”
“Having suffered casualties and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the group has resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments.
“This, they have done by circulating a doctored video on social media alleging troops’ complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety,” the statement said.
