By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The undeclared war between members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and security agencies got messier on Saturday as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and their counterparts from the Nigerian Army and Depatment of State Services (DSS) in a joint operation, stormed the alleged operational headquarters of IPOB in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State.
Security sources informed TheNiche that the alleged overall commander of the insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six other IPOB members were killed in the fire fight.
A security operative who narrated the operation on condition of anonymity said: “As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents, they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold and clinical response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.
“The forces eventually neutralized the Commander, Ikonso, who is known as the Vice President designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group.
“He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.
“The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police and other security forces to quel the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other States of the South East and South South region of the country.”
He further stated, “After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the remains of Ikonso Commander and the six of his fighters. Several sophisticated weapons including six(6) AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms including bullet Proof charms were recovered from the insurgents.”
Three policemen and one army officer were reportedly injured in the gunfight having sustained serious bullet injuries and are receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals.
IPOB is yet to react as at the time of filing this reports.
More details shortly
