Army Kills Suspected ESN Member During Gun Duel In Imo

A suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) has been gunned by the Nigerian Army at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a statement on Monday released by its spokesman, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army said the ESN member was killed during a gun duel with its troops in the area.

Nwachukwu said the troops who were on routine patrol encountered the IPOB/ESN members who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order.

He said one of the gunmen was killed while others fled in disarray during a shootout with the troops, adding that troops are combing the area to track down the fleeing dissidents.

The army spokesman added that troops recovered an operational vehicle belonging to the outlawed group.

The statement said: “Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army (NA) on Sunday 17 April 2022 neutralised a member of IPOB and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network(ESN) at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

“Troops on routine patrol encountered members of the irredentist group who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order on law-abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses. The IPOB/ESN criminals on sighting the troops withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma community for reinforcement.

“In the firefight that ensued during the operation, 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 casualty and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the irredentist group have resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety.”