JTF uncovers graves of ‘victims buried by ESN members’ in Imo

The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Imo says it has uncovered shallow graves of victims buried by suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The JTF comprises the police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

U.I. Lawal, the commander-general of the 34 artillery brigade in Obinze, who led members of the JTF on the operation, told journalists on Tuesday that the graves were found at the Aku community in Okigwe LGA of the state.

Lawal said the graves were found at the home of the ESN leader in the area popularly known as ‘Gentle,’ who had been on the command’s wanted list.

The JTF commander did not provide details about the number of the graves found.

In a statement on Wednesday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, said operatives of the command were part of the team that raided and uncovered the shallow graves.

Okoye noted that the operation has dismantled the criminal base used to perpetrate violent attacks on residents and security personnel in the state.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and safety for residents.

“There was a visit led by brigadier general U.A. Lawal, commander of the 34 artillery brigade in Obinze, commander naval base, Oguta, the director of DSS, the honourable commissioner for homeland security, and the SSA to the governor on security affairs,” the statement reads.

“The purpose was to evaluate the progress of the ongoing operation and boost the morale of the joint security forces, which include operatives of the Nigerian armed forces, police, DSS, and NSCDC.

“The operation, which has been underway for several weeks, has successfully dismantled a significant base used by the criminal group in launching violent attacks on innocent citizens and security personnel.

“This breakthrough has led to the arrest of key suspects and has significantly improved security in the state.

“During the visit, the SSA to the governor on security affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.), encouraged the people of Aku to return to their community and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics for their safety.”