Joint security operatives crush IPOB/ESN stronghold in Imo

The Joint Security Operatives comprising the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command, Military, DSS personnel, Navy, and Air Force have dismantled the stronghold of IPOB/ESN in some communities of Mbaitoli and Njaba council areas of Imo State.

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, together with the Military Service Commanders and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Imo State, recorded this success when they paid an operational visit to Ezioha in Mbaitoli LGA, and Umuele, Ubuakpu, and Amakor in Njaba LGA.

In a statement issued in Owerri on Wednesday by the Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, he said that during the operations, identified IPOB/ESN camps within these areas were successfully dismantled.

According to him, several IPOB/ESN members were neutralised, while some suspects were arrested for further investigation.

He said that others escaped with bullet wounds while exhibits were recovered from the camps, including a large cache of arms and ammunition.

The PPRO disclosed that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were safely detonated by the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, alongside other incriminating items.

The Police Spokesperson said that the high-powered visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the operatives, assessing the progress of the mission, and reaffirming the united resolve of security agencies to restore peace and security across the state.

Present at the visit, according to the PPRO, were the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General I. M. Abass; Air Commodore D. E. Bello, Commander Nigerian Air Force 211 Quick Response Group (QRG); the Commander Oguta Naval Base, Commodore M. A. Abass; and the Director DSS, D. D. Uche Dunkwu fsi.

They joined the CP in commending the gallant efforts of the operatives, noting their professionalism, discipline, and resilience in confronting terrorism and other violent crimes.

In their separate remarks, Brigadier General Abass, Air Commodore Bello, the Naval Commander, and the Director DSS assured of sustained inter-agency collaboration and support for the operations.

They urged the operatives to maintain vigilance, adhere strictly to rules of engagement, and remain focused until total peace is entrenched in the state.

They said that the Imo State Police Command, in synergy with other security agencies, remains committed to eliminating criminal elements and sustaining peace.

They advised residents of Mbaitoli, Njaba, and the entire state to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as normality has been restored.

They encouraged the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible information on suspicious activities through 0803 477 3600, and to report anyone seen with, or treating, gunshot injuries to the nearest Police Station without delay.

The Joint Security Operatives comprise Police, DSS, Navy, Military, and Air Force in Imo.

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