…as police recover 2 automatic pump-action guns from the IPOB/ESN raid in Imo.
OWERRI, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that two suspected sub-commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), were killed during a coordinated IPOB/ESN raid in Imo carried out by tactical units of the state police.
The raid targeted forest hideouts across Amaocha Afara, Umunoha, and Ifakala communities in Imo State, specifically within Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas, and was conducted late on February 24 following actionable intelligence.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the details via his official X account on Thursday, noting that the suspects engaged police operatives in a gunfire exchange, which resulted in the deaths of two sub-commanders known by the aliases “Minute,” from Ebonyi State, and “Nwaotu,” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA.
During the IPOB/ESN raid in Imo, police recovered two automatic pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, six spent cartridges, and a walkie-talkie. Other members of the group reportedly fled with gunshot injuries.
Authorities confirmed that no police officers were harmed in the operation. They added that ongoing efforts are being made to track and apprehend fleeing suspects linked to the group.
The police emphasised that the IPOB/ESN raid in Imo forms part of a broader campaign by the Imo State Police Command to dismantle armed networks in the state and restore security to affected communities.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Security observers say the raid underscores the continued need for intelligence-led operations across the South-East to curtail IPOB/ESN activities and protect residents in vulnerable communities.
