Police Operation in Enugu Results in Death of Three IPOB/ESN Operatives and Weapon Recovery

The Enugu State Police Command announced on Friday that it had successfully neutralized three operatives affiliated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a group associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This operation took place in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state, resulting in the retrieval of weapons.

In a statement issued by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson, it was revealed that the confrontation unfolded when a joint team comprising police Special Forces and officers from the Igbo-Eze North Police Division carried out a raid on the hoodlums’ camp at Imufu region on Thursday.

Ndukwe explained that during a fierce exchange of gunfire between the law enforcement operatives and the criminal elements, “three of the hoodlums were neutralized,” while others managed to escape with gunshot injuries. The statement highlighted the recovery of “four pump-action guns, one locally fabricated revolver gun, a pistol, 67 live cartridges, military camouflage uniforms, IPOB insignia fabrics, suspected amulets, and other incriminating items.”

Furthermore, preliminary findings indicated that these same criminals were responsible for the fatal shooting of two Neighbourhood Watch Group security personnel on July 21, 2023, in Umuagama, Enugu-Ezike community. The group was also implicated in multiple attempts to enforce an illegal sit-at-home directive across certain parts of the council.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani, commended the successful execution of the operation and reiterated the commitment of the command to eradicating unyielding criminal elements in the state. Ndukwe underscored the commissioner’s call for officers to maintain their resolve, remain resilient, and sustain their efforts. Additionally, the public was encouraged to actively support the campaign against criminal activities.

Ndukwe urged residents of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, particularly medical facility operators, to promptly report individuals displaying gunshot injuries to the nearest police station. Reports can also be made through the command’s emergency hotlines: 08032003702, 08075380883, 08086671202, or 08098880172. Alternatively, information can be emailed to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.