The Imo State Police Command raided a terrorist hideout in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, killing six members.
The gang is suspected of being responsible for attacks on the Correctional Centre Owerri, the murder of five police officers, the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station, and several kidnappings in Imo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, shared the news on the Force’s Facebook page.
Adejobi stated that on January 24, 2025, operatives from the command’s tactical unit launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging terrorist hideouts, adding that police operatives discovered the terrorists’ hideout in a forest in Ihube, Okigwe LGA,, and swooped on the suspects.
He stated that on Friday, operatives from the force acting on solid information raided a forest in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, and swooped on the accused terrorist group, three of whom were members of the Eastern Security Network.
According to him, when the agents approached the jungle, they were met with heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, but they exhibited extraordinary courage by engaging the attackers in a deadly gun battle.
The statement read, “The operation resulted in the neutralisation 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, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), some communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“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.
“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.”
According to Adejobi, the operation was part of the efforts of the operatives to emplace peace and public safety across the countryto sustain the battle against terrorism,, saying,, “Police operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralisation of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the operatives for their extraordinary gallantry and collaboration.
The IGP instructed operatives from various commands and formations to keep up the tempo and follow the Force’s action plan, which aims to significantly reduce crime in the first quarter of 2025.
Adejobi stated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring national security and public safety.
He urged members of the public to “remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
