In a daring raid on Saturday at approximately 2:30 am, the Enugu State Police Command targeted a suspected hideout belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the Akwuke area of Enugu metropolis.
Facing resistance from the renegades, who opened fire upon their arrival, the police swiftly retaliated with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralization of two of the assailants.
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DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson for the Command, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Sunday, disclosing that other members of the outlawed group managed to evade capture, albeit sustaining gunshot wounds.
Following the intense gun battle, law enforcement authorities seized significant weaponry from the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one Sub-Machine Gun (SMG), and one stainless Pump-Action Gun (PAG). Additionally, 27 live rounds and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm calibre ammunition were confiscated.
The police further uncovered five live cartridges and a small blue-colored Gideon New Testament Bible, possibly used to conceal objects suspected to be charms.
“In pursuance of the proactive/crime prevention strategies devised by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, police operatives of Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad carried out an intelligence-guided raid of a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Akwuke community in Enugu metropolis.
“A preliminary investigation reveals that the breech number of the recovered AK-47 was wiped off.
“The criminal elements are responsible for several attacks and carting away of police officers rifles, as the rifle’s magazine bore the Nigeria Police Force colour. Further discreet investigations are ongoing,” Ndukwe concluded.
(NAN)
