IMO: Police, Military Neutralize Suspected IPOB/ESN Terrorists, Rescue Four Kidnapped Victims, Recover Arms, Ammunition

By Chinenye Chukwuma…

Operatives from the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), in collaboration with military personnel, successfully dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist and kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on October 4, 2024, in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

In a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Imo state Command, ASP Henry Okoye and made available to newsmen in Owerri,the operation led to the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the safe rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29, 2024. The rescued victims include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 respectively, both natives of Ohi in Mbaitolu LGA, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old male from Benue State.

As security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect. Others fled into nearby bushes with varying injuries. Items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.

Ongoing operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, underscoring the Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, have commended the operatives for their swift and effective action. They urge the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the state.