By Dansu Peter The operatives of Imo State Police Command have shot dead, three key leaders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along wi...
By Dansu Peter
The operation, conducted on January 24, 2025, followed credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area. Police operatives from the Command's tactical unit located a hideout within a forest in Ihube, where they encountered heavy resistance from suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ESN. The operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, demonstrating exceptional bravery.
The operation led to the neutralization of six terrorists, including three identified as ESN kingpins: Ifeanyi Anayo, a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe, a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21). All three hailed from Ogube, Ihube, Okigwe LGA.
Recovered from the scene were five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), communication equipment, and eight operational motorcycles.
Preliminary investigations revealed the group’s involvement in several high-profile criminal activities, including: the April 5, 2021 attack on the Owerri Correctional Center; theDecember 12, 2022 killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe; the February 8, 2022 burning of Arondizuogu Police Station; and Kidnappings of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their courage and precision during the operation. He urged police commands nationwide to sustain efforts aimed at reducing crime significantly in the first quarter of 2025.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to national security and public safety, urging citizens to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement to ensure a safer society.
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