The police in Imo state have neutralized three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
The policemen from the Tactical Unit of the Command were said to have gotten a tip-off and launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hide out in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government area of the state when the terrorist opened fire on the policemen.
Despite the heavy gunfire from the terrorists, the police demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle which resulted in the neutralization of sis members of the terrorist group.
Three of the suspects were said to be ESN kingpins identified as 28 yr old Ifeanyi Anayo alias Zuma Se Rock, 22 yr old Chukwuemeka Ondionyefe alias Nnimi and 21 yr old Kingsley Sunday, all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe LGA.
Items recovered from them included five AK -47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition Improvised Explosive Devices, several communication equipment and 8 operational motorcycles.
In a statement by the police Force Spokesman, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, prior investigations revealed the involvement of the group in several high profile crimes that included the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on the 5th of April 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on the 12th of December 2022 and the burning of Arondizuogo police station on the 8th of February, 2022.
Mr. Adejobi said that the group was also involved in multiple kidnappings including those of the WAEC members of staff on the 5th of June 2023, four reverend sisters on 21st of August 2022 and four Chinese nationals on 6th, December 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination. The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025”
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens” He writes