Nigerian troops, in a coordinated effort with other security agencies, have eliminated a prominent insurgent figure, Tochukwu, alias Ojoto, alongside two other militants of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) Eastern Security Network (ESN). Ojoto and two of his men were killed alongside two other militants during a Tuesday operation in Imo State’s Ihiteukwa area, bordering Anambra State.
An official statement from the Nigerian Army confirmed the details. Ojoto, who led the ESN unit in Ihiteukwa, was killed alongside his associates during a targeted operation aimed at clearing the area of insurgent activity.
The statement described encountering resistance from IPOB/ESN members employing guerrilla tactics, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and booby traps. Despite this challenges, the military forces maintained their composure and utilized their superior firepower to neutralize Ojoto and the other insurgents.
The operation yielded a significant haul, including firearms used by the militants, communication devices, narcotics, and personal belongings. Notably, troops also seized both unexploded and detonated IEDs, along with bomb-making materials, which were subsequently destroyed.
The military believes this operation strikes a major blow to terror networks operating in the southeast region. The Nigerian Army’s statement did not give any details regarding potential casualties on the military’s side.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
