Ebonyi State Police Confronts IPOB Menace, Neutralise Three, Arrest Five in Intense Gunfight

On a recent Friday, a fierce encounter between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the Ebonyi State Police Command led to the death of three militants. This operation also resulted in the arrest of five individuals believed to be part of the same group, known for their attacks on police officers in the state. The police operation, based on actionable intelligence, was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies. Their target was a concealed hideout within the Omini community forest in the Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State.

Upon discovery by the security forces, the militants engaged in a gun battle, which resulted in three of their members being killed and five apprehended. Others managed to flee the scene. The police were able to recover a substantial cache of weapons and other items from the site, including an AK47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition and a bag filled with 2,000 more rounds. Among the more personal items found were a police warrant card, an ID card featuring the image of Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB’s leader), and an Itel phone, alongside a motorcycle.

Further examination of the recovered items led the police to believe that this group was behind the recent spate of attacks on police personnel within Ebonyi State. The crackdown on this hideout marks a significant effort by the Ebonyi State Police Command to curtail the activities of this group, which has posed a considerable threat to security in the region.

The Commissioner of Police for Ebonyi State, CP Augustina Ogbodo, praised the bravery and effectiveness of the officers involved in this operation. She reassured the public of the police’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents in Ebonyi State. This operation underscores the police’s determination to tackle the challenges posed by militant groups head-on, ensuring peace and stability within the community. Over the past four months, the area has seen the tragic loss of no less than eight policemen, highlighting the dangerous conditions under which security forces operate.

Daily Trust