A Joint Security Operatives comprising the Army and police has neutralised a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and rescued the traditional ruler of Umuorji Mgbidi community in Oru west Local, Eze Okoro alongside three other victims.
According to the Imo State Police Commands Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, Operatives from the Command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with the military carried out the raid at Ezioha in Mbaitoli local government area of the state on Friday.
He said that the criminals opened fire on the security forces as they approached their hideout, but the superior fire power of the JTF led to neutralisation of one suspect while others fled with various degrees of injuries.
He said: “Operatives from 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.
“The operation led to the neutralisation 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 Ohi in Mbaitolu 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 neutralisation of one suspect. Others fled into nearby bushes with varying injuries.
“Items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.
“Ongoing operations are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, underscoring the Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state.”