Security forces in Imo State, comprising the Police Command and the Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued four kidnapping victims and neutralized one suspect during an operation in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The operation was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) in collaboration with military personnel.
ASP Henry Okoye, the Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the news in a statement released on Friday in Owerri.
He stated that the joint security forces dismantled a kidnapping syndicate believed to comprise members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“This operation, driven by intelligence, resulted in the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29,” Okoye said.
The rescued victims include Eze Okoro from Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 from Ohii in Owerri West LGA, and 56-year-old Bartholomew from Benue State.
According to the statement, as the security forces approached the suspects’ hideout, a gunfight erupted. However, the forces successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing one suspect while the others fled into the surrounding bush, nursing injuries.
Items recovered from the hideout included a pump-action gun, 10 live cartridges, four spent cartridges, four locally-made explosives, and a Biafran flag.
Additional seized items consisted of a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.
Okoye noted that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. “This operation underscores the command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to combat crime in Imo State,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, praised the operatives for their swift action and encouraged them to maintain momentum in the ongoing fight against crime in the state.
