Police Shot Dead Three IPOB/ESN Members In Enugu; Gives Reason

By Babatunde Solanke

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that its operatives killed three members of the Eastern Security Network(ESN) of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra(IPOB), who were planning to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

According to the command, the security operatives also recovered three guns and cutlasses during gunfire between the security forces drawn from a police special squad and troops of the Nigerian army in the operation that took place in the early hours of Monday.

The command, in a statement issued on Monday, through its spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said, “At about 2.15 a.m on Monday, September 18, 2023, a joint security team, comprising Police Operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, busted the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements in Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area, while they were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the State.

“Three (3) of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralized, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight.

“Three (3) pump-action guns, ten (10) machetes, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered; while an intense manhunt for those on the run is ongoing.”

Ndukwe, however, quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, to have commended the joint team and reassured the security and safety of citizens as they go about their lawful businesses in the State.

The spokesperson explained that the commissioner has reiterated the avowed commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise.

“CP Kanayo, therefore, enjoins all and sundry to report individuals sighted with gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station, while remaining law-abiding and continuing to provide the Police with actionable security information and intelligence,” the statement added.