Police neutralise three ESN terr0rist kingpins, recover wèapons in Imo state

Men of the Imo state Police Command have neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), recovering arms and ammunitions.

The Police operatives located the terrorist hideout in a forested area within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.

As they approached the site, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists.

This was made known via a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, 25th of January 2025.

The post reads in part:

“As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to emplace peace and public safety across the country, police operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts. The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists 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 3 being ESN 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. Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several 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. 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.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>