…Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said that as part of its efforts to promote peace and public safety across the country, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
It disclosed that operatives stormed camps and neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (PPRO) disclosed at the weekend.
Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said on January 24, 2025, operatives from the command’s tactical unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
The police operatives, according to him, located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA).
“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 Force image maker said, adding that the operation resulted in the neutralisation of six members of the terrorist group, with three being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21) — all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with eight operational motorcycles used by the group.
He said that prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
He said 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.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
The IGP charged 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.
He said the Nigeria Police Force remained unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
