Thirteen members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been killed by troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, “Operation UDO KA”.
The troops also succeeded in arresting three kidnappers who operate within the South East region.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Umuahkalu, the spokesperson for the task force in a statement on Monday, said that on December 21, troops of Sector 1 of the task force ambushed the kidnappers along Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
He said during the operation, a gunfight between the troops and the kidnappers led to the death of one suspected criminal while several others escaped with bullet wounds.
He said an Ak-47 riffle and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell phones; one power bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch; a bunch of keys; and the sum of N8,900 were recovered during the operation.
Similarly, on December 16, the troops in an operation in Mbosi and Isseke general areas in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, killed three IPOB members.
Three Dane guns, AK-46 riffles and several other items were recovered.
On December 14, the troops also arrested three suspected kidnappers at Itungwa in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
The kidnappers, the force said were arrested following a tip off by members of the public.
Umuahkalu further urged residents of the region to work closely with the security forces to ensure a peaceful Christmas and new year celebration.
He said, “Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.
“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line -193 and press Option 2 – to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA,” he said.
“Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of N6,600, and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he said.
