The Nigeria Police Force has delivered a significant blow to terrorism, dismantling the operations of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a bold operation that highlights its renewed commitment to national security. The announcement, made through the Police Force’s official X handle, detailed the successful neutralization of three high-profile terrorist kingpins and the destruction of their camps in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.
On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Imo State Police Command’s Tactical Unit, acting on credible intelligence, launched a meticulously planned operation to dislodge ESN operatives entrenched in the forests of Ihube. Upon arrival at the hideout, the officers encountered fierce resistance as they came under heavy fire from suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ESN. Demonstrating exceptional courage and tactical precision, the operatives engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of six terrorists, including three notorious ESN kingpins identified as:
Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28)
Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22)
Kingsley Sunday (21)
All three were natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe LGA and had been linked to a series of violent attacks and high-profile crimes.
Recovered Arsenal and Evidence of Terrorism
The operatives recovered a cache of weapons and other assets, including:
Five AK-47 rifles
552 rounds of live ammunition
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
Eight operational motorcycles used by the group
Advanced communication equipment
This discovery highlights the group’s capability to execute complex operations, as evidenced by prior investigations linking them to heinous crimes, including:
April 5, 2021: Attack on the Owerri Correctional Center.
February 8, 2022: Burning of Arondizuogu Police Station.
December 12, 2022: Murder of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe.
June 5, 2023: Kidnapping of WAEC staff.
December 6, 2023: Abduction of four Chinese nationals.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives during the operation. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum and implementing strategic action plans to reduce crime drastically in the first quarter of 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its mission to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians. We urge citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and contribute to fostering peace and safety in their communities,” the IGP stated.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He called on Nigerians to report suspicious activities and provide actionable intelligence to aid the Police in combating crime and terrorism effectively.
This latest operation not only disrupts the ESN’s capabilities but also sends a strong message to criminal elements across the country: the Nigeria Police Force is resolute in its determination to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law.
Issued by:
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
Dated: 25th January, 2025
PIONEER NEWS 