Olusegun Ariyo
The operatives of the Nigeria Police, Imo State Command is said to have destroyed one of the strongholds of unknown gunmen and suspected kidnappers causing social unrest in some parts of the state killing six suspects and recovering 552 rounds of live ammunition with five AK-47 rifles.
In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, DSP Henry Okoye, informed that the operation was part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to enthrone peace and public safety across the country.
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He stated that the operatives of the State Police Command, in line with its efforts to minimize criminal activities, achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three suspected terrorist kingpins associated with criminal activities in the State.
Okoye hinted that the operation was carried out by the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence that led to the operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
The police spokesperson, further informed that the operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA where upon approaching the axis, the operatives came under heavy fire from the suspected criminals but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with three kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)—all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group” Okoye informed.
The PPRO, further hinted those prior investigations revealed the involvement of the group in a series of high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
It was further revealed by the police spokesperson, that the group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
He explained that following the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for what he described as their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025. The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens” the PPRO further informed.
