The Nigerian Army says ESN and IPOB did not kill six of its soldiers and that its troops in Abia are not on a revenge mission.
The Nigerian Army has appointed a new counter-terrorism commander in a minor shake-up that includes redeploying senior officers.
“Troops recovered four AK-47 Rifles, a Toyota Hiace minibus used as an operational vehicle by the assailants as well as several assorted ammunition and charms.”
Mr Yerima said that the terrorists came in their numbers mounted on gun trucks and attempted to infiltrate the main entrance to the town.
“Attahiru died serving Nigeria. Buhari, who went to Paris for four days, could not go to Attahiru’s funeral for 30 minutes.”
Mr Attahiru and six other deceased from the army would be buried on Saturday in Abuja.
“Many of the arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and second in command to late Ikonso.”
The residents of Filin Lazio Hotoro were asked to go about their lawful businesses as security forces are on top of the situation.
According to the Nigerian military, the terrorists entered a part of the town, burnt nine houses, and killed some residents before the troops engaged them in a shootout, forcing the insurgents to retreat
