PORT HARCOURT —Seven IPOB members were killed by security operatives during a clash in Eleme and Oyigbo LGA, Rivers state.
IPOB which stands for Indigenous People of Biafra is a separatist organisation that aims at acquiring independence for southeastern states.
A statement endorsed by Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson confirmed the development adding that five other members were also arrested.
Narrating the incident, he admitted that the clash occurred when the military invaded the suspected enclave of the outlaw gang.
“Troops of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt and 29 Battalion in conjunction with operatives of Nigerian Police, DSS, and NSCDC on Thursday, 27 May 2021, conducted a Clearance/Raid Operation at suspected IPOB/ESN enclaves at Agbomchia Forest along Pipeline Road Ogali/Komkom Boundary between Eleme and Oyigbo LGA’s of Rivers State.
“In the firefight that ensued during the Clearance/Raid Operation, 7 IPOB/ESN members were neutralized while 5 suspects arrested.
Yerima said the operatives destroyed the camps of the gangs after recovering ammunition and other items.
“Various items belonging to the criminals including arms and ammunition were also recovered by the security forces. The camp was promptly destroyed while suspects and corpses were handed over to the Police for further actions.
“There was no casualty on own troops and other security operatives as they have returned back to base in high morale.
“The Nigerian Army urges members of the public to always avail the troops with accurate and timely information that will help in tracking down and neutralise the so-called Unknown Gunmen (UGM) who are terrorizing the region.”
IPOB has often been accused of carrying out attacks on security operatives.
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