Ikonso Commander, alleged leader of militia arm of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and six of his fighters have been killed in a joint operation between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army in the early hours of Saturday.
They were killed in fierce gun battle when the security Operatives stormed the alleged operational headquarters of the militant group in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State.
According to the report, sophisticated weapons including six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber and lots of charms, including bullet proof charms were recovered from the insurgents.
The Insurgents were said to have been responsible for the attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service on 5th April, 2021.
They have allegedly also carried out series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and formations in the south east and south south of the country.
“As the security forces approached the base of the insurgents, they came under rapid fire from the group. In a bold and clinical response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.
“The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six (6) other armed fighters of the insurgent group.
“Commander Ikonso is known as the Vice President designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group.
“He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.
The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police and other security forces to quel the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other States of the South East and South South region of the country.
However, three policemen and one army officer reportedly sustained serious bullet injuries during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents and are being treated.
