The Imo State Police Command’s tactical unit has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against criminal activities. Six members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were neutralised during a high-stakes operation. Among the neutralised individuals were three notorious kingpins of the group.
Coordinated Operation in Okigwe
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a press statement on Saturday, January 24, 2025. He stated that following credible intelligence, police operatives carried out a well-coordinated raid on a suspected hideout of the terrorists in Ihube Forest, located in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to Adejobi, the police came under heavy gunfire during the operation. However, demonstrating exceptional bravery, the officers engaged in a fierce gunfight, which resulted in the neutralisation of six terrorists.
Profiles of Neutralised Kingpins
The ESN kingpins neutralised during the operation include:
- Ifeanyi Anayo (alias Zuma De Rock), aged 28
- Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe (alias Nmimi), aged 22
- Kingsley Sunday, aged 21
All three were natives of Ogube, Ihube, in Okigwe Local Government Area.
Recovered Weapons and Equipment
The police recovered a cache of arms and other operational tools from the hideout, including:
- Five AK-47 rifles
- 552 rounds of live ammunition
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- Communication equipment
- Eight operational motorcycles
Previous Crimes Linked to the Group
Investigations revealed the involvement of the neutralised terrorists in several high-profile criminal activities, including:
- The Owerri Correctional Centre attack on April 5, 2021.
- The killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022.
- The burning of the Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
- Multiple kidnappings, including:
- WAEC officials on June 5, 2023
- Four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022
- Four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023
Commendation for Police Operatives
Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their gallantry and urged them to sustain their momentum in implementing the Force’s action plan for crime reduction in 2025.
Call for Public Support
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring national security and public safety. ACP Adejobi encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to create a peaceful and secure environment.
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT STORE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
