Police on Saturday raided three training camps of the Eastern Security Network, the militant wing of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and arrested kingpins of the group.
The three IPOB/ESN terrorist camps are located at Atta in Ikeduru, Izombie in Oguta and Ideato North local government areas of Imo State.
The police tactical team is made up of the Imo command’s tactical units, IRT and special forces.
Special Adviser on Media to the Imo State Police Commissioner, CSP Mike Abatam, said in a statement that the arrested IPOB/ESN kingpins gave useful information about their camps and activities and led the Police’s tactical units to the camps.
According to him, on sighting the tactical teams approaching their camp, the hoodlums opened fire at them hence, there was a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The statement said: “But, due to the superior firing power of the Police, the hoodlums were overrun by the tactical units while some of the hoodlums escaped with bullets wounds into the forest.
“Several weapons, stolen cars, explosives, gun powders, charms, lPOB/ESN flags, ammunitions, bags of Indian Hemps, tramadol tablets and many other hard drugs were recovered.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, commended the efforts of the men and urged them to sustain the tempo.
“In like manner, thanked Imolites for their support and assured them of the command’s commitment in ensuring a crime-free Imo State,” the statement added.
Recall that members of the group had staged multiple attacks on security men and facilities in the State.
Prominent among them was the attack on the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Owerri where close to 2000 inmates were released from custody.
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