Two Soldiers shot dead, one other missing in clash with Militants
Two Soldiers shot dead, one other missing in clash with Militants
Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and one remains missing following clashes with suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) militants in Imo State, military officials reported Saturday.
The incident occurred Friday in Osina, Ideato North Local Government Area, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade responded to a distress call while returning from patrol, according to Brigade spokesperson Joseph Akubo.
ESN is the armed wing of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group.
During the initial encounter, the militants seized military equipment including an AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher before retreating. The bodies of the fallen soldiers were recovered as troops pursued the attackers.
A subsequent firefight erupted when troops intercepted the militants at Nkwachi community, resulting in one militant casualty. The remaining fighters fled into a nearby forest, abandoning an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine.
The pursuit continued into Umalouma forest, where the militants again faced military forces before retreating deeper into the dense woodland. Military officials say several militants likely sustained injuries during the encounters.
Troops recovered significant weapons during the operation, including five AK-47 rifles, one fabrique nationale rifle, two magazines, and a tear gas launcher.
The military has appealed to local residents to assist ongoing operations by providing intelligence about militant movements and hideouts in the region.
