Two killed as police raid ‘IPOB hideouts’ in Enugu

The Enugu police command says it has killed two members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a raid on their hideouts in Akwuke axis of the state.

Daniel Ndukwe, spokesperson of the command, announced the development in a statement on Sunday.

Ndukwe said the raid was carried out on Saturday at about 2:30 am.

He said the police faced resistance from “the criminals” and engaged them in a gun duel.

The spokesperson said other members of the proscribed group escaped with various gunshot wounds.

He said one AK-47 rifle, one Sub-Machine Gun (SMG), one stainless Pump-Action Gun (PAG), 27 live and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm calibre ammunition were recovered after the raid and gun duel.

“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,” NAN quoted Ndukwe as saying.

“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 magazine bore the Nigeria Police Force colour. Further discreet investigations are ongoing.”

Ndukwe further said Kanayo Uzuegbu, Enugu commissioner of police, commended the operatives for the feat, noting that the police is committed to getting rid of criminal elements in the state.

The commissioner also urged resident of the state and owners of medical facilities to report any person found with gunshot wounds to the nearest police operative or station.