The army added that the troops exploited their success and gave the fleeing terrorists a hot pursuit, compelling them to abandon a significant cache of arms.
Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday, indicated his interest in exploring an out-of-court settlement in his terrorism trial.
The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness
Mr Obi described the continuous bloodshed and violence in the country as the failure of the Nigerian state.
Mr Buba said the military would be fierce in its reprisal and would bring military pressure on IPOB to ensure their total defeat.
“The troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers and made contact with them.’’
“One of the IPOB/ESN commanders, Tochukwu, Aka Ojoto, in charge of Ihietukwa Command, despite many charms on his body, was neutralised,” he said.
They said: “Our nation continues to suffer variously as forces of centrifuge wield greater stranglehold upon it, as the citizenry grows more disillusioned.”
According to him, the National Security Strategy 2019, which is currently under review, identified strategic communication as an element of national power.
Mr Benye said the instant suit was an abuse of court process.
