The police command says it overran the IPOB/ESN terrorists’ camp, known as ‘Mother Valley’, killing two and recovering over 300 improvised explosive devices.
Police commissioner Audu Bosso confirmed the raid on Wednesday at a news briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Owerri.
Mr Bosso said the command’s operatives, in synergy with the military and other sister security agencies, raided the terrorists’ camp, located in Orsu LGA between February and March.
“The terrorists engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were ultimately subdued by the operatives’ superior firepower.
“During the operation, two terrorists were neutralised, while over 300 IEDs, gas cylinders and galvanised pipes as well as five exotic vehicles were recovered,” he said.
Beyond the camp raid, Mr Bosso said the command arrested 75 persons in connection with different crimes, including kidnapping and murder. He said that the operatives also recovered multiple AK-47 rifles and several rounds of live ammunition between February and March.
Mr Bosso said that three magazines, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles were also recovered.
Mr Boss disclosed that on March 3, operatives also thwarted an attack by suspected members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN group at ADAPALM, a state government’s property in Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
The police commissioner said that members of the proscribed group had invaded the facility, setting heavy machinery and equipment on fire. He said that one of the assailants was neutralised, while others fled with injuries after a separate shootout.
“During an exchange of fire, one hoodlum who sustained gunshot injuries was taken to the hospital, and later confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His body was deposited at the FUTHO mortuary for preservation, autopsy, and further investigation,” he said.
Mr Bosso explained that on March 14, at about 4:00 p.m., while operatives were on surveillance patrol, the hoodlums resurfaced and engaged them in another gun battle.
He said the hoodlums, who were overpowered, fled with gunshot injuries, and abandoned three AK-47 rifles and three magazines, loaded with 65 rounds of live ammunition.
According to Mr Bosso, the crime wave in Imo has drastically reduced, creating a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
He assured the residents that maximum security measures were in place to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration, with heavy deployments at worship centres and recreational facilities.
(NAN)
