Joint security operatives drawn from the Police, Military, DSS, Navy, and Air Force have dismantled IPOB/ESN camps in several communities across Mbaitoli and Njaba local government areas of Imo State.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, alongside military commanders and the state Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), led an operational visit to Ezioha in Mbaitoli LGA, as well as Umuele, Ubuakpu, and Amakor in Njaba LGA, where they recorded significant breakthroughs.
According to a statement released on Wednesday in Owerri by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the security team successfully dismantled several identified IPOB/ESN camps located within the targeted communities.
He said “several IPOB/ESN members were neutralised, while some suspects were arrested for further investigation.”
Arms recovered, IEDs neutralized
He continued by stating that others escaped with bullet wounds while exhibits were recovered from the camps, including a large cache of arms and ammunition.
The PPRO disclosed that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were safely detonated by the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, alongside other incriminating items.
The Police Spokesperson said that “the high-powered visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the operatives, assessing the progress of the mission, and reaffirming the united resolve of security agencies to restore peace and security across the state.”
Present at the visit, according to the PPRO, were the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General I. M. Abass; Air Commodore D. E. Bello, Commander Nigerian Air Force 211 Quick Response Group (QRG); the Commander Oguta Naval Base, Commodore M. A. Abass; and the Director DSS, D. D. Uche Dunkwu fsi.
They joined the CP in commending the gallant efforts of the operatives, noting their professionalism, discipline, and resilience in confronting terrorism and other violent crimes.
In their separate remarks, Brigadier General Abass, Air Commodore Bello, the Naval Commander, and the Director DSS assured of sustained inter-agency collaboration and support for the operations.
They urged the operatives to maintain vigilance, adhere strictly to rules of engagement, and remain focused until total peace is entrenched in the state.
They said that the Imo State Police Command, in synergy with other security agencies, remains committed to eliminating criminal elements and sustaining peace.
Residents of Mbaitoli, Njaba, and the wider Imo State were urged to go about their normal activities without fear, as security agencies assured that peace and order had been restored in the affected areas.
The public was further encouraged to support the ongoing operations by providing credible information on suspicious movements through 0803 477 3600, and by promptly reporting anyone found with or treating gunshot wounds to the nearest police station. The joint task force consists of the Police, DSS, Navy, Military, and Air Force operating in Imo State.
