DSS Kills IPOB/ESN Members In South-East, Bandits In Niger

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) killed some members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their Eastern Security Network (ESN) as well as many bandits in Niger State.

A top police operative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also attributed the improved security witnessed at Yuletide, especially in the South-East geopolitical zone to several covet operations by the DSS.

The source added that the new DSS leadership deserved commendation for the increased synergy which has led to prompt intelligence sharing with the military and other security agencies.

According to him, “For instance, it might interest you to note that before Christmas, the DSS identified several IPOB (Indigenous People’s of Biafra) and their ESN (Eastern Security Network) camps in several parts of the South-East states.

“Collaborating with the DSS, we surgically dealt with IPOB and ESN leaders who were terrorising residents of the South-East. With the DSS, we were able to clear IPOB/ESN strongholds in Orsu, Oru East, Oru West and Orlu LGA in Imo state where several AK47 weapons and IED-making materials and shrines were destroyed.

“In Enugu, the DSS led the operation to clear the Imilike Agu Forest in Udenu LGA where several weapons of different calibres were destroyed, and a large number of IPOB /ESN commanders neutralised. Several of such operations also took place in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi states”.

Other security sources said many of the AK-47-wielding bandits, who operate on motorcycles, terrorising and looting shops in Rafi local government area (LGA) of Niger State were killed, just as their cache of weapons and motorcycles were seized by the DSS operatives.

This is the second major offensive by the DSS against bandits terrorising residents of the state in less than a week, having neutralised three bandits last Friday in Dogon Dawa, Mairiga LGA of the state.

Recall that three weeks ago, DSS operatives apprehended notorious bandits terrorising parts of the North-east and North-West in the Janyau Fulani area in Gusau, Gusau-Kaura Namoda Road, in Zamfara state, as well as in Dalori quarters, Maiduguri, Borno State, .

The sources said the bandits in Niger State, who recently attacked Uregi Village in Rafi LGA, gathered for a meeting when DSS operatives launched the attack.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the DSS had kept the bandits under surveillance, even as the highly-placed officer regretted that three operatives were injured during the attack, but responding to medical treatment.