Security Operatives Kill IPOB Commander, 6 Others In Imo

Security operatives, comprising police,  army and officers of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) have killed the Southeast commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), popularly known as Ikonso, and six other armed fighters of the insurgent group.

The killing of the commander was done in the early hours of today, April 24, in a joint operation. The security operatives had stormed the operational headquarters of Insurgents IPOB Militias in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State.

Reliable security source said that the Insurgents are responsible for the attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service on 5th April, 2021. They were also said to have carried out series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and formations in the south east and south south of the country.

“In a bold and clinical response,  the joint security forces fought back gallantly. The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the insurgents  in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six other armed fighters of the insurgent group.

“Commander Ikonso 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,” the source said.

It was learnt that 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 AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms, including bullet Proof charms were recovered from the insurgents.

Meanwhile, three policemen and one army officer are currently receiving treatment from sustained serious bullet injuries during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.