Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), in collaboration with military personnel, successfully dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist and kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on October 4, 2024, in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Imo Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye in a statement, “the operation led to the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the safe rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29, 2024. The rescued victims include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 respectively, both natives of Ohii in Owerri West LGA, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old male from Benue State.”
“As security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect. Others fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries. Items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafran flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms,” he further disclosed.
While ongoing operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Field Brigade, Obinze, have commended the operatives for their swift and effective action. They urged the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the state.