Acting on verified intelligence, the Imo State Police Command executed a precision operation that culminated in the elimination of six notorious terrorist leaders linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation unfolded in a forest enclave located within the Ihube community, Okigwe Local Government Area.
In an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, OluMuyiwa Adejobi, identified three of the deceased as Ifeanyi Anayo, alias Zuma De Rock (aged 28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe, alias Nmimi (aged 22), and Kingsley Sunday (aged 21), all natives of Ogube, Ihube. These individuals were implicated in several heinous activities, including the assault on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the ambush and killing of five officers in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the arson attack on the Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
Furthermore, their criminal exploits extended to orchestrating multiple kidnappings, such as the abduction of WAEC officials on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese expatriates on December 6, 2023.
The Command’s Tactical Unit, following a meticulously gathered intelligence dossier, pinpointed the insurgents’ base of operations within the Ihube forest. During the intervention, officers faced a relentless barrage of gunfire from suspected IPOB/ESN operatives. Undeterred, the police operatives engaged the assailants in an intense gunfight, showcasing exceptional valor and tactical acumen.
The operation yielded an array of weaponry and operational equipment, including:
– Five AK-47 rifles
– 552 rounds of live ammunition
– Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
– Multiple communication gadgets
– Eight operational motorcycles
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, lauded the officers for their unparalleled bravery and precision during the mission. He further emphasized the necessity for sustained momentum, urging police commands and formations to rigorously implement the Force’s strategic crime reduction blueprint for the first quarter of 2025.
This operation serves as a resolute statement against criminality and reinforces the commitment of law enforcement to dismantling terror networks and ensuring public safety.
