The Imo State Police Command said its operatives gunned down scores of terrorists in Ezioha, Umuele, Ubuakpu, and Amakor communities of the state.
Spokesperson of the Imo Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye made the disclosure on Wednesday after a visit by heads of service agencies to the joint security operatives in Mbaitoli and Njaba local government areas of Imo State.
Okoye, however, did not confirm the arrest of wanted Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, widely known as ‘Gentle de Yahoo’ as circulated across the social media.
According to Okoye, there was an ongoing joint special security operations at Ezioha in Mbaitoli local government area as well as in Umuele, Ubuakpu, and Amakor areas of Njaba local government area.
The Police spokesperson disclosed that identified terrorist camps linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) had been demolished with several terrorists gunned down.
Okoye stressed that other suspected terrorists were also arrested while some escaped with bullet injuries.
He appealed to Imo residents to immediately report anyone seen treating bullet injuries to the security agents.
Okoye also appealed to residents to support their operations with useful information, especially to apprehend anyone seen treating bullet injuries anywhere in the state.
“Members of the public are further encouraged 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,” he said.
Okoye listed exhibits recovered from the terrorists’ camps to include large cache of arms and ammunition, while improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were safely detonated by the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, alongside other incriminating items.
“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,” the statement said.
Okoyo named the security heads present during the visit to include the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General I. M. Abass; Commander of Nigerian Air Force 211 Quick Response Group (QRG), Air Commodore D. E. Bello; the Commander Oguta Naval Base Commodore MA Abass and the Director DSS, DD Uche Dunkwu.
Okoye assured that security agencies in the State were committed to the sustenance of peace and flushing out of criminals, even as he called on Imo residents to go about their lawful business activities without fear, assuring that normalcy had been restored to the state.
