Christmas: Two Police officers killed in gun battle against IPOB/ESN in Imo

Two operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit lost their lives in a gun battle while dismantling a notorious IPOB/ESN syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

The operatives also killed three of the suspected IPOB/ESN kidnappers, arrested two others, and recovered six AK-47 rifles, 131 rounds of ammunition, and two stolen vehicles.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry, disclosed this in a statement in Owerri on Wednesday.

It is worth recalling that the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, an alleged self-exiled leader of the group in Finland, has raised concerns about the sponsors of his activities, with some Nigerians calling for their exposure and prosecution.

The search for sponsors is ongoing, with some individuals already identified and added to a compiled list.

“One of the alleged sponsors, Mazi Peter Kelechi, fled his Aboh-Mbaise country home in Imo in 2022 following a raid on his family house by security personnel on suspicion of being a member and sponsor of IPOB/ESN activities,” the statement read.

Revealing further details of the kidnapping incident, ASP Henry said, “On December 19, 2024, the police engaged the criminals in a gun battle in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area. Three suspects were neutralized, and two others, David Ifeanyichukwu, male (20 years), and Abuchi Joseph, male (24 years), were arrested. The gang had been involved in the abduction of Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.”

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The police operation followed extensive investigation and intelligence gathering.
During the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 11330, 12102, 3836, 8260, 9940; 113 rounds of ammunition; a locally made gun; and two stolen vehicles: a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus JRV 42 XA. The suspects had used these vehicles in their criminal activities, including the kidnapping of other victims.

“Unfortunately, two police officers were injured during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to their injuries. The Imo State Police Command mourns their loss and commends their dedication in the line of duty. Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining members of the syndicate who escaped during the operation,” Henry added.

In light of the upcoming holiday season, the Imo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma, is intensifying patrols and security operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600, as the police continue their fight against crime and work to ensure the safety of all residents.