A fierce confrontation between Nigerian Army troops and members of the Eastern Security Network on Friday led to the reported death of a suspected terrorist during a raid in Abia State.
According to The PUNCH, the military operation, which targeted an ESN camp located in the Ebubengwa/Abayi Nchokoro axis of Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, saw the militants retreat under intense firepower, leaving behind trails of blood, according to military sources.
In a follow-up situation report released on Saturday by the 144 Battalion (Rear), the Army confirmed that one suspected terrorist was neutralized in the operation, while an officer and a soldier sustained injuries during the exchange.
The troops reportedly uncovered a substantial stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and large sums of cash at the camp during the Friday raid.
Among the items recovered 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.
The Army also disclosed the seizure of N11.75 million and $27,000 in cash, along with a variety of communication and logistics tools.
“Items recovered also include two generators, laptops, CCTV systems, mobile phones, a Wi-Fi router, and external hard drives,” the Army stated. Additionally, ritual garments and food supplies were found at the site.
Vehicles and motorcycles either seized or destroyed in the operation included one Honda Pilot SUV, two Toyota Highlander SUVs, one Toyota Hiace bus, a minibus, one tricycle, and two motorcycles.