The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough in Imo State, overrunning a terrorist camp linked to the outlawed IPOB/ESN network and recovering a large cache of explosives and weapons.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Owerri.
Bosso said operatives, working in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, carried out the raid on the terrorist enclave known as “Mother Valley,” located in Orsu Local Government Area, between February and March.
According to him, the suspects engaged security forces in a gun battle but were eventually overpowered.
“The terrorists engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were subdued by superior firepower. Two were neutralised, while over 300 improvised explosive devices, gas cylinders, galvanised pipes, and five exotic vehicles were recovered,” he said.
The police commissioner further revealed that the command arrested 75 suspects linked to various crimes, including kidnapping and murder, within the same period.
He added that multiple weapons were recovered, including AK-47 rifles, three magazines, two locally made pistols, a Beretta pistol, and several rounds of live ammunition, as well as six stolen motorcycles.
Bosso also disclosed that on March 3, operatives foiled an attempted attack by suspected IPOB/ESN members at ADAPALM, a state-owned facility in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
He said the attackers had set heavy machinery ablaze before security forces intervened, leading to a shootout in which one suspect was fatally injured while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased was later deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri mortuary for autopsy and further investigation.
He added that on March 14, the suspects regrouped and launched another attack but were again repelled by security operatives, who recovered three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of ammunition.
Bosso noted that sustained security operations have significantly reduced criminal activities in the state, assuring residents of continued efforts to maintain peace and safety.
He also confirmed that enhanced security deployments have been put in place across worship centres and public spaces to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
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