After a gun duel, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully neutralised three leaders of the suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) with an additional three terrorist members, bringing the number to six.
According to the document released on Saturday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said a successful attack was carried out following credible information.
Adejobi said the operatives from the Imo State Command’s tactical unit on Friday launched an attack within the forest of Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA) with the aim to dislodge their hideouts.
Adejobi stated, “Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.”
The three leaders of the suspected ESN are Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock, aged 28; Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi, aged 22; and Kingsley Sunday, aged 21, all are natives of Ogube, Ihube, in Okigwe LGA.
Items recovered during the raid include five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several pieces of communication equipment, and 8 operational motorcycles.
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It was gathered that the group was linked to several high-profile crimes, such as the attack launched on April 5, 2021 at the Owerri Correctional Centre, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023; four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022; and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023,” Adejobi noted.
While charging the officers of NPF in flushing out enemies of the country across the state, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, commended the efforts of the officers for successful service delivery.
Reaffirming their commitment as the fight against crime continues, members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and collaborate with the police team to promote a conducive environment for all citizens.
