The Nigerian Army has announced that troops of the South-East Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Udoka, neutralised four suspected terrorists in Abia State during a clearance operation on Sunday.

The Task Force spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the operation occurred early this week.

According to him, the operation took place in a forest in Umuaku Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, following credible intelligence.

The statement added that in the early hours of Monday, troops also raided a camp allegedly belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, along the Imo River axis, and destroyed the facility.

Unuakhalu revealed that arms, vehicles, and other items were recovered from the ESN camp and similar camps in Imo State, where additional raids were conducted.

In a related development, there was a fierce gun battle between soldiers and armed men at a border community between Abia and Imo states.

The confrontation, whichh reportedly occurred at Mbata, Umuchima village in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, caused panic as residents fled into the bush to avoid the conflict.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that over 15 Hilux vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) belonging to the Nigerian Army were seen in the Umuchima area as early as 6:00 am.

It was reported that soldiers stormed the area to attack and dislodge unidentified gunmen who were allegedly camping in the riverine village, which serves as a boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

Witnesses stated that major roads leading to the village were cordoned off by soldiers, and heavy gunfire was heard in the area for several hours. (Daily Sun: Text, Excluding Headline)