Residents of Aguata, Anambra State, witnessed a tense confrontation as security forces engaged suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Aguata were on a routine patrol when they received intelligence about armed men dressed in military and police camouflage moving in a white Toyota Sienna with Lagos registration number KJA-919KH.
Acting on the tip, the patrol intercepted the vehicle near the Ogborji axis.
The suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the patrol vehicles, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted nearly an hour.
Two of the gunmen were neutralised during the exchange.
Security forces recovered a cache of weapons, including a general-purpose machine gun, AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive devices, police uniforms, mobile phones, laptops, charms, ATM cards, and identification documents.
The following morning, troops confirmed that another suspect, who had fled with severe gunshot wounds, was later apprehended but succumbed to his injuries.
This brought the total number of neutralised suspects to three.
Authorities assured that the area has since returned to calm, though surveillance and monitoring continue. Photographs of the recovered weapons, vehicle, and other items have been shared as evidence of the operation.
The Commander of FOB Aguata emphasised that the patrol team’s swift response prevented further escalation and reassured residents that security forces remain vigilant in maintaining peace in the region. #Securitynewsalert.com
