5th October, 2024
By Peter Okolie
Security forces in Imo State, comprising the Police Command and the Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims and neutralized one suspect during an operation in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) in collaboration with military personnel.
ASP Henry Okoye, the Police Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday in Owerri.
He said the joint security forces dismantled a kidnapping syndicate suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The operation, which was based on intelligence, led to the neutralization of one suspected terrorist and the rescue of four individuals who were abducted along Orlu Road on September 29,” Okoye said.
The rescued victims were identified as Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31, both from Ohii in Owerri West LGA, and 56-year-old Bartholomew from Benue State.
According to the statement, the suspects engaged the security forces in a gunfight as they approached the hideout. However, the security forces successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing one suspect, while the others fled into the surrounding bush with injuries.
Items recovered from the hideout included a pump-action gun, 10 live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally-made explosives, and a Biafran flag.
Additional items seized were a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms.
Okoye stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. “This operation highlights the command’s dedication to working 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, commended the operatives for their swift action and urged them to maintain momentum in the fight against crime in the state.