The gunmen were overpowered after they engaged the troops in a fierce encounter on Tuesday.

roops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network in Ihiala town in Anambra State.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

UGAMATV earlier reported that there was an incident in Ihiala where some of the soldiers travelling to Ihiala to engage the ESN operatives got involved in an accident and died.

The army spokesman on Wednesday said the gunmen were overpowered after they engaged the troops in a fierce encounter on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The gunmen who were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order fired sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.

“On receipt of a distress call, troops of the NA launched out to the location to restore normalcy. On intercepting the dissidents, a fire fight ensued and the gallant troops neutralised their leader, Ejike and three others.

“Items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis amongst others.

“Sadly, one combat vehicle conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault. One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries.

“The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital. While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public are enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information that could enhance ongoing operations and ultimately, restore peace and stability in the region.”