... IGP showers ecomiums
By Prisca Nguzo
Operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command weekend, killed six suspected notorious criminal including three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN) responsible for high profile crimes in the state.
The deceased were, "identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)—all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area."
The killings of the suspects, according to the release made available by the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to emplace peace and public safety across the country.
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Adejobi said that deceased criminals according to prior investigations were involved in 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.
He disclosed that the operation also resulted in the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the suspects.
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The release partly reads, "police operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
"On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command's tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
"The police operatives located the terrorists' hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
"The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023."
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He continued, "The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
"The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force's action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025."
"The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens." Adejobi added.
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