Police Deal Major Blow to Terrorism, Eliminates ESN Kingpins and Dismantles Deadly Camps in Imo

In a major step towards restoring peace and public safety across Nigeria, the Imo State Police Command has achieved a significant victory in the fight against terrorism. Police operatives, as part of ongoing efforts to combat violence and insecurity, have successfully neutralized three key terrorist leaders linked to the banned Eastern Security Network (ESN).

On Friday, following credible intelligence, operatives from the Command’s Tactical Unit launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dismantling terrorist hideouts in the state. The operation led them to a forested area in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, where they encountered heavy gunfire from suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and ESN. Despite the intense resistance, the operatives demonstrated remarkable courage, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight.

The operation resulted in the neutralization of six members of the terrorist group, including three prominent ESN kingpins: Ifeanyi Anayo, also known as Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe, aka Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21). All three were natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe. In addition, the police recovered five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), multiple communication devices, and eight operational motorcycles used by the group.

The group, which has been linked to numerous high-profile crimes, was responsible for 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. They were also involved in multiple kidnappings, including the abduction of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the success of the operation and praised the efforts of the police team. He further noted that the neutralized terrorists were significant threats to the region’s security and that their removal would greatly reduce the group’s operational capacity.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and effective coordination. He urged police personnel across the country to maintain the momentum and continue executing the Force’s action plan to curb crime, particularly in the early part of 2025.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring national security and public safety,” the statement concluded. “We call on the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with the police to foster a peaceful and safer environment for all.”