Military high command condemns attack on troops in Imo

The military high command has condemned the attack on troops and other security agents in Imo State.

Some gunmen suspected to be combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) on Tuesday killed and set some soldiers, policemen, and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ablaze in two patrol vehicles in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking on the issue on Friday in a statement by the Director of Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, it said the troops and other security agents of Operation Search and Flush were ambushed while responding to a distress call.

He said the operations conducted by troops led to the rescue of kidnapped residents, among others.

Buba said,  “Sadly, a joint patrol team of Operation Search And Flush suffered a setback when responding to a distress call in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State. 

They were ambushed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliated Eastern Security Network.

“Meanwhile, troops operations lead to the rescue of kidnapped hostages  and others.”

He noted that other operations conducted by troops led to the destruction of IPOB camps in Abia State.

He added, “Overall, as of 22 September 2023, the armed forces neutralised 52 terrorists and arrested: 53 criminals, and seven suspected oil thefts while rescuing 61 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, a total of seven terrorists comprising five adult males, and one adult female surrendered to troops.”

Buba said that troops of Operation Delta Safe denied oil thieves an estimated sum of N946,387,570.00 being the value of seizures.