“Imo Police Strike: Three Top ESN Terrorists Neutralized in Major Operation”
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a successful operation in Imo State, resulting in the neutralization of three notorious terrorist kingpins linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement released on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that operatives from the Imo State Command’s tactical unit launched the operation on January 24, 2025, following credible intelligence about the terrorists’ hideouts. The operation targeted a forested area within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, where the terrorists were believed to be based.
Upon approaching the hideout, police operatives came under heavy fire from the suspected ESN terrorists. The ensuing gun battle led to the neutralization of six members of the group, three of whom were identified as high-ranking leaders. The key operatives killed were Ifeanyi Anayo, also known as Zuma De Rock, Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe, also known as Nmimi, and Kingsley Sunday.
The operation also led to the recovery of significant weapons and equipment. Five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), communication equipment, and eight operational motorcycles used by the terrorists were seized.
The statement also revealed that prior investigations had linked the group to a series of violent crimes. These included 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 arson attack on the Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022. Additionally, the group had been involved in high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
This operation marks a significant success for the Imo State Police in their ongoing fight against terrorism and criminal activity in the region.
