DSS Kills IPOB/ESN Members in South-East, Bandits in Niger

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully neutralized members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as several bandits in Niger State.

A senior police source, who wished to remain anonymous, attributed the improved security during the Yuletide, particularly in the South-East, to several covert operations carried out by the DSS. This enhanced security was largely due to a more coordinated effort between the DSS, military, and other security agencies, facilitated by the new leadership of the DSS, which has been praised for its intelligence-sharing initiatives.

The source highlighted that, prior to Christmas, the DSS identified multiple IPOB and ESN camps across the South-East states. Through joint operations, key IPOB and ESN leaders were neutralized, and their strongholds in Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, and Orlu local government areas (LGAs) of Imo State were cleared. During these operations, several AK-47 rifles, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and shrines were destroyed.

In Enugu State, DSS operatives led an operation to clear the Imilike Agu Forest in Udenu LGA, where numerous weapons of various calibers were seized and a significant number of IPOB/ESN commanders were killed. Similar operations were conducted in Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, further weakening the group’s presence in the region.

Additionally, in Niger State, DSS operatives killed several bandits who had been terrorizing residents of Rafi LGA. The bandits, known for using motorcycles, were engaged by DSS forces while they were meeting after attacking Uregi Village in Rafi LGA. The operation resulted in the seizure of their weapons and motorcycles. This was the second major offensive by the DSS against bandits in Niger State in just under a week, following a successful operation in Dogon Dawa, Mairiga LGA, which led to the neutralization of three bandits.

The DSS had previously made significant arrests of notorious bandits in Zamfara and Borno states, and these recent operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across various parts of the country.

While the operation was successful, the sources reported that three DSS operatives sustained injuries during the confrontation. However, they are receiving medical treatment and are expected to recover.