Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 185 Battalion, working alongside the Military Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes, have neutralised a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) operative during an operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X on Sunday, saying the operation was carried out around 5am on Saturday following intelligence on suspected IPOB/ESN positions in Obene and Abator villages within the Ochuche and Umunankwo communities.
According to Makama, the troops launched a dawn raid on the identified locations, prompting the suspected fighters to flee while firing at the advancing soldiers.
He said the troops pursued the fleeing operatives and tracked bloodstains along their escape route, leading to the discovery and neutralisation of one of the fighters.
Makama added that other members of the group reportedly escaped with the body of another operative who was killed during the encounter.
The operation also led to the recovery of two pump-action firearms, two motorcycles and materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), alongside other items.
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However, the operation suffered a major setback when a soldier, identified as Private Danladi Zakariya, stepped on an IED while the troops were returning to their starting position.
The explosion left the soldier critically injured. He was evacuated to a hospital but reportedly died from severe blood loss while being transported.
“His remains have been deposited at the St. Charles Borromeo Hospital mortuary in Onitsha,” Makama said.
He added that despite the soldier’s death, the troops retained control of the area and continued operations against suspected IPOB/ESN elements.
“Despite the loss, the troops maintained control of the area and continued offensive operations against the suspected IPOB/ESN elements.
“The morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as operations continued to deny the terrorists freedom of action within the area,” he said.