According to the Nigerian Army, the suspects were killed in a fierce encounter during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday.
A combined team of security forces has announced the killing of three combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspects were killed in a fierce encounter during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday.
A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the incident happened at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia local government areas of Abia State.
According to the statement, the clearance operation was undertaken by joint troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the police.
The statement partly read, "On winning the firefight, the troops wasted no time destroying several hideous camps used by members of the groups to perpetrate heinous crimes.
"The camps were uncovered after several weeks of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.
"On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others."
According to the statement, items recovered from the hoodlums include "One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle, one improvised 12 MBRL Gun, one improvised 6 MBRL Gun, one AK 47 Rifle, one Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets, one Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms."