Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network, an arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The Force Public Relations Officer and an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement.
In the statement on Saturday, ACP Adejobi said the operation that led to the neutralisation of the ESN terrorists was carried out on January 24, 2025 by operatives of the Command’s Tactical Unit.
He said following credible intelligence, the operatives launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.
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 operation resulted in the neutralisation of six members of the terrorist group, with three being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo, aka Zuma De Rock (28); Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe, aka Nmimi (22); and Kingsley Sunday (21), all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area.
It also led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices, several communication equipment, along with eight 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 Center on April 5, 2021; killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe on December 12, 2022; and burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
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The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of staff of the West African Examination Council on June 5, 2023; four Reverend Sisters on August 21, 2022; and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
He added that Egbetokun 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 2025.
He added: “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.”
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