Police kill ‘ESN member’ in Imo, recover weapons

The Imo police command says it has killed one suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

ESN is the paramilitary arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement on Wednesday, Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, said the operatives also recovered  an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 9.62mm ammunition from the victim.

Okoye explained that the victim was shot on Tuesday as the group planned to attack residents along Aba-Owerri road, near the Sam Mbakwe International Airport.

He added that Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in the state, has urged residents to report anyone with gunshot wounds.

“On October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Command’s Counter Terrorism Unit successfully repelled an attack by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists during a routine patrol along the Owerri/Aba Road, near Owerri Airport,” the statement reads.

“The attackers, numbering about ten in two vehicles, launched a violent assault but were effectively countered by the unit who demonstrated an act of valor.

“In the ensuing gun battle, one suspect was neutralized, while the others fled with gunshot injuries, abandoning their operational vehicle — a Mercedes Jeep, ash in color, with Lagos state registration number AAA 101 GR.

“In the aftermath, the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and fifteen rounds of 9.62mm live ammunition from the deceased suspect, IPOB/ESN flag and the abandoned vehicle.

“Intense combing of the nearby bushes is ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.

“To this end, the commissioner of police urges the public, particularly medical practitioners to report anyone seen with or treating gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600, reiterating that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will take necessary measures to address any threats to public peace in the state.”