. . . Two combat officers die in auto crash

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Nigerian Army today, Thursday, February 9, 2022, confirmed a News Express exclusive report of yesterday on the killing of suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) by its men at Ihiala town in Anambra State.

Published yesterday afternoon, the News Express story was entitled “Soldiers gun down suspected IPOB fighters in Anambra”.

Confirming the story but with more details, a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the gunmen who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.

The statement partly reads: “On receipt of a distress call, troops of the Nigeria Army launched out to the location to restore normalcy. On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralized their leader, Ejike and three others.

“Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others.

“Sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault. One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.

“While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public are enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region.”