IMO SECURITY OPERATIVES KILL SUSPECTED IPOB/ESN COMMANDERS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Two suspected sub-commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) were killed during a police-led clearance operation in forest hideouts across Amaocha Afara, Umunoha, and Ifakala in Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, reported the development on his official X handle on Thursday.

Makama explained that the operation, conducted late on February 24, was executed by tactical units of the Imo State Police Command based on actionable intelligence.

According to the source, the suspects opened fire upon spotting police operatives, leading to a gunfight that claimed the lives of two sub-commanders known by the aliases “Minute,” from Ebonyi State, and “Nwaotu,” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA.

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Police recovered two automatic pump-action rifles, nine live cartridges, six spent shells, and a walkie-talkie from the scene, while other members of the group reportedly fled with varying injuries.

“The authorities confirmed that no police personnel were injured during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“This clearance operation is part of the Imo State Police Command’s ongoing campaign to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks within the state,” the report added.

Attempts to reach the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing.