Police: Explosives recovered from suspected ESN militants in Anambra

The Anambra police command says locally-made improvised explosive devices (IED) have been recovered from suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to NAN, Aderemi Adeoye, deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, said the explosives, which included an “RPG bomb and a hand grenade”, were recovered at the scene of an attack in Afor Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra state.

Speaking on Monday, Adeoye said there was a shootout between security agencies and gunmen, adding that the items were found in a bag abandoned at the scene of the attack.

He also said the command’s bomb disposal squad had been deployed to the scene.

“The command recovered a locally fabricated RPG bomb and a hand grenade at the scene of the shootout between gunmen suspected to be ESN militants and the joint security convoy led by the commissioner himself,” he said.

“Detectives were deployed to process the scene of the shootout for clues that could aid investigation aimed at unravelling identities and mission of the gunmen.

“These items were found in a bag which also contained a mobile phone that was found to be loaded with one locally made hand grenade and a Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb.

“Command’s Bomb Disposal Squad was deployed to the scene and explosive ordinances were defused and being analysed, while the handset is being processed for vital intelligence.”

While expressing the commitment of the command towards ensuring security in the state, he said the inspector-general of police has directed officers to ensure the protection of citizens during the November 6 governorship election.

He added that Echeng Echeng, the Anambra commissioner of police, commended the synergy between the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other paramilitary agencies on improving safety in the state.