IMO: IPOB commander, six militias killed as Nigerian forces launch joint operation

SEVEN suspected IPOB militias, including a prominent commander were killed today in a joint operation involving the police, army and DSS at Awomama Village, Oru East LGA of the state.

NewsmakersNG learnt that the military operation which commenced in the early hours of today claimed the life of the overall commander of the insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and those of six other armed fighters of the Indigenous People of Biafra suspected to have been involved in the attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service on April 5, 2021.

NewsmakersNG also learnt that some police and army officers who sustained gunshot wounds are battling for life at an undisclosed hospital.

According to police sources, Commander Ikonso was known as the Vice President designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was accused of being the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.

The militias were also accused of carrying out a series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and formations in the South-east and South-south of the country.

A member of the joint operation told NewsmakersNG: “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 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 quell the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other states of the South-East and South-South region of the country.

“After the fierce gun battle, the security team recovered the remains of Ikonso Commander and six of his fighters. Several sophisticated weapons including six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms including bulletproof charms were recovered from the insurgents.

“At the time of filing this report, three policemen and one army officer are receiving treatment having sustained serious bullet injuries during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.”