The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has said that the second in command of an outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN) Commander, Ebube Virus, has been killed in a fierce gun battle.
The deceased suspect was on the Imo State Police Command’s wanted list due to his nefarious activities in the Aboh Mbaise area of the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Police spokesman, Henry Okoye, on Tuesday.
According to the CP, “Following the confessions made by the suspected IPOB/ESN Terrorist allegedly involved in the killing of DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and other dastardly acts in the Mbaise axis, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping squad led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa on Monday 4th of December, 2023 stormed the criminal hideout of a deadly IPOB/ESN Terrorist Syndicate led by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, at Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State and dislodged the terrorists.
“In the process, a ferocious battle broke out between the terrorists and the combat-ready Police agents, neutralizing the Second in Command Ebube Virus, who is well-known on the Command’s wanted list due to their nefarious actions in the Mbaise axis. Others who had been shot at had escaped. From the neutralized terrorist, one AK-47 rifle with 19 rounds of live ammunition was found.
“An operation is underway to find additional fugitive suspects and bring them to justice.”
While praising the brave officers for their unwavering efforts in the fight against all violent crimes in the State, CP Danjuma affirmed the Command’s commitment to working with other security agencies with the aim of restoring peace in the state.
CP Danjuma called on Imo residents to support the Police and other sister security agencies with timely and actionable information that will assist in the crusade against terrorism in the state.
He encouraged owners of hospitals and first-aid outlets to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest Police Station.