The Imo State Police Command has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralisation of three terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated this in a press statement issued and made available to journalists on Saturday, noting that “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.”
He stated further that the police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA, highlighting that, “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 statement stressed that the operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 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, emphasizing the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
According to the statement, “Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center 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, saying that 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 Egbetokun, has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
The IGP charged 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, assuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
Egbetokun said 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.
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