The Nigerian Army, says troops of 34 Brigade of the force have captured a cache of arms and ammunition belonging to “elements of the dissident group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN).”

It said the capture of the arms was after a gun battle at Amaifeke-Akkatta Road in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo state.

A statement issued on Thursday evening by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the fire arms and ammunition were recovered during troops’ operations to clear separatists’ hideouts in the general area of Amaifeke – Akkatta road.

According to the statement, “Troops uncovered the weapons concealed in a black Toyota Camry, after they successfully surmounted ambushes staged by members of the outlawed dissident group, who, having been overpowered by the gallant troops, abandoned their vehicle and weapons in the heat of the combat and fled the scene.”

It further said, “After a thorough search, the troops recovered ten Pump Action Shotguns, seven locally fabricated guns, one locally made Revolver Pistol, eighty Live Cartridges, one Baofeng Radio and substance suspected to be gun powder.Others include Satchet of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a Toyota Camry Saloon car.”

The statement commended members of the public for their continued support to the military and security agencies, urging them to continue to provide timely and credible information in support of ongoing operations to restore peace and security in the South East and other troubled parts of the country.