A combined team of security operatives, including the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Security Service (DSS), and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has successfully dismantled criminal hideouts in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, part of ongoing efforts to tackle civil unrest and insurgency, resulted in the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five others, and the recovery of firearms and other dangerous items linked to the criminal network.
In a statement released on Sunday, the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that the operation, which was conducted under the auspices of “Operation Udoka,” aimed to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state and curb the increasing incidents of violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.
Okoye noted that the operation was made possible by the collaboration of various security agencies, which have been intensifying efforts to combat insurgency and restore order.
He also highlighted that the operation resulted in a protracted gunfight with the suspects, which led to the seizure of eight motorcycles, several explosive devices, communication equipment, and other weapons used by the criminals.
The operation was monitored by key security figures, including the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma; Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze; Air Commodore David Bello, Commander of the NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri; Commodore MB Salisu, Naval Commander, Oguta; and the DSS and NSCDC commanders.
They were joined by Brigadier General Joseph Ogbonna (retd.), SSA to the Governor on Security Affairs.
The security officials commended the professionalism of the joint security forces and emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the fight against crime.
They urged citizens to provide valuable intelligence to aid the security agencies in their ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma reassured the public of the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
He called on citizens to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure a peaceful holiday season, reinforcing that the security forces were united in their mission to protect the people of Imo State.