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Police Raid ESN Camps, Kill 7, Recover 8 AK-47s, 14 pump-Action
The raids, carried out on February 8 and 9, 2025, also led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, 14 pump-action shotguns, and a significant cache of ammunition.
Abuja, Nigeria- The Nigeria Police Force has neutralised seven suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in two separate operations in Imo State.
The raids, carried out on February 8 and 9, 2025, also led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles, 14 pump-action shotguns, and a significant cache of ammunition.
Police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the first operation targeted an IPOB/ESN hideout in Ezioha Mbaitolu, within the Umuele Umuaka Njaba Local Government Area (LGA).
He said security operatives, in collaboration with other agencies, stormed the camp, killing two suspected ESN kingpins and seizing seven AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, and hundreds of live rounds.
Adejobi noted that the camp was dismantled, disrupting ESN’s operations in the region.
“In a follow-up operation on February 9, police forces moved to Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, near the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA. There, they engaged armed militants in a firefight, resulting in the neutralization of three more ESN commanders.
“Recovered from the scene were two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 36 rounds of ammunition, one pump-action shotgun, four motorcycles, a cutlass, and criminal charms allegedly used by the suspects.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on February 14, unknown gunmen attacked Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA, Kebbi State, abducting a 60-year-old man, Umaru Bawa. Security agencies have launched an investigation into the kidnapping.
According to Adejobi, the Police Operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command, upon the receipt of the report, trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the State and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“Consequently, 4 of the kidnappers were neutralized and 1 arrested with fatal injuries while the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. The operatives also recovered the cash sum of Three Million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom,” he said.
Adejobi noted that the Inspector-General of Police IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasised the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
“The Force assures members of the public that these operations will continue with renewed vigour as it strives to ensure a safer environment for all Nigerians. As part of these ongoing efforts, the IGP has called for increased intelligence gathering, community engagement, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities by citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property, reinforcing community trust, and fostering a peaceful and secure nation,” he added.
