At least 16 members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) were killed by joint security operatives of the police and the Nigerian Army in Abia State, a source in the police told Peoples Gazette on Wednesday afternoon.

The source who prefers anonymity said the incident occurred last night at Ariaria market junction in Aba the state’s commercial capital.

He further disclosed that there was a heavy gun battle between the militia and a combined team of police tactical units including the RRS and the CTU as well as the military.

“Heavy shooting last night at Ariaria market junction, Aba between RRS that is policemen, CTU, military and the so called ESN and by the grace of God Almighty, they gunned 16 of them down,” the source boastfully told The Gazette by phone.

In a 44 seconds video sent to The Gazette, lifeless bodies of the killed ESN members were seen in the pool of their blood.

The police command spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna, told The Gazette when contacted by phone Wednesday that the ESN members attacked the military.

“What I have to tell you is that there was an attack on the military last night. You can channel all your questions to the military,” Mr Ogbonna said.

When contacted, Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman told The Gazette that he is not aware of the incident.

“I just came back from journey today I am not aware of anything like that. I was in Port Harcourt which is very close to the state,” Mr Yerima, a brigadier-general said.

The ESN is a regional security force and a paramilitary wing of the separatist group, indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The security outfit was formed to combat armed Fulani herdsmen terrorising communities in the region.

Over the years, the military had had several clash with IPOB members and their self acclaimed leader, Nnamdi Kanu which resulted in the deaths of many.

There were several reported cases of extra-judicial killings of IPOB members by the military since 2017 till date.