The Nigerian Army has reported the killing of four suspected terrorists during a clearance operation in Abia State.
The operation, carried out by troops from the South-East Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Udoka, took place in a forest in Umuaku Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
According to Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, the operation also involved a raid on a camp allegedly belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, along the Imo River axis.
The military destroyed the camp and recovered arms, vehicles, and other equipment from the site, as well as from other camps in Imo State.
The operation follows a gunfight earlier in the day between troops from the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade in Ohafia and armed gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village in Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
The military reinforced its presence in the area with over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers to secure strategic routes and continue engaging the gunmen, who were reportedly camped near a river along the boundary between Abia and Imo states.
The military operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the South-East region, where armed groups have been a persistent threat.
The Nigerian Army has vowed to continue its operations until all criminal elements in the region are neutralized.