Trailer Driver Killed as Troops Respond to IPOB/ESN Attack on Motorists in Imo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have responded to an attack by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along the Enugu–Umuahia highway in Imo State, where a trailer driver was killed and one of the attackers died during the incident.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 6:13 p.m. on June 27, prompting troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Okigwe to mobilise to the scene following a distress call from motorists.
According to the sources, the armed assailants had mounted an illegal roadblock along the Enugu–Umuahia Road in an attempt to stop and possibly hijack a moving trailer.
Rather than stop, the trailer driver reportedly accelerated through the roadblock, striking one of the attackers, who died on the spot.
The remaining gunmen immediately opened fire on the vehicle, fatally shooting the driver. The trailer’s conductor, however, managed to escape unhurt before the arrival of the troops.
Following the attack, the assailants fled into the surrounding bushes before the security forces reached the area.
During a subsequent exploitation of the scene, troops recovered one magazine and 20 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The body of the trailer driver, along with that of the deceased attacker, was evacuated and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and other necessary actions.
Military sources said troops have intensified patrols and launched follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks on commuters using the strategic highway.
The sources reaffirmed that Operation UDO KA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against armed groups threatening public safety across the South-East.
