Imo State Police Neutralise Six IPOB/ESN Members, Recover Weapons

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.