A suspected terrorist was reportedly killed during a fierce gun battle between Nigerian Army troops and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia State on Friday. The confrontation occurred when the military launched a raid on an ESN camp located in the Ebubengwa/Abayi Nchokoro area of Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the militants fled the scene under intense gunfire, leaving behind trails of blood. In an official situation report released by the 144 Battalion (Rear) on Saturday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that one suspect was killed during the operation, while an army officer and a soldier sustained injuries.
The raid yielded a substantial haul of weapons, ammunition, and cash. Among the recovered arms were one rocket-propelled grenade, a general-purpose machine gun, four AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, three pump-action shotguns, 800 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 648 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
In addition to the weapons cache, the military seized large sums of money totaling N11.75 million and $27,000. Other items confiscated included various logistical and communication devices such as two generators, laptops, CCTV systems, mobile phones, a Wi-Fi router, and external hard drives. The troops also discovered several ritual garments and food supplies within the camp.
Vehicles and motorcycles that were either recovered or destroyed during the operation comprised one Honda Pilot SUV, two Toyota Highlander SUVs, one Toyota Hiace bus, one minibus, one tricycle, and two motorcycles.
The Nigerian Army’s operation in Ugwunagbo highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups and restore peace and security in the region.