From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Commisioner of Police, Imi State Command, Aboki Danjuma, has linked members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of masterminding the last week’s gruesome murder of the Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and an Inspector of Police attached to the Command at the ever busy, Ahiara Junction.
Danjuma made the claim at the weekend during a press briefing that involved, parading of suspects and display of recovered exhibits, held at the Parade Ground of the Command’s Headquarters, Owerri.
According to him, “Imo State Police Command under my leadership has continued to intensify its effort to provide maximum safety and security for ‘Ndi Imo’ as the State has been relatively peaceful.
“However, last week, the Command was faced with some security challenges particularly at the Mbaise axis, by IPOB/ESN terrorists leading to the death of a Traditional Ruler in Ezinihitte Mbaise, a party Ward Chairman, DPO, Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police.
“These prompted me to convene a crucial meeting with Inter-Agency Security Chiefs in the state, aimed at rolling out collaborative operational strategies that will assist in bringing the assailants to book.
“I directed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to go all out in synergy with sister security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attacks.
“The unwavering dedication and persistent efforts of the courageous operatives yielded results as I have before you today (Saturday), a total of 25 male suspects arrested for various criminal cases ranging from IPOB/ESN terrorism activities, armed robbery, murder, stealing/receiving stolen properties, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
“These are suspects that are evidentially linked to the respective case against them.
“While other miscreants were neutralized in a fierce gun battle that ensued between them and the police.
“In the course of investigating the aforesaid cases, a total number of 20 assault rifles including, 5 AK 47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, 9 locally made pistol and one Barrera pistol and a total of 359 rounds of various calibers of ammunition, were recovered from them.
“Also recovered from these suspects include six vehicles, three Motorcycles, charms, IPOB/ESN vest/insignia, military camouflage, police vests, and other incriminating items”.
Danjuma further pointed out that, “following the murder of DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police on 27/11/2023, at Ahiara junction in Ahiazu Mbaise by disgruntled elements suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed militia ESN and the subsequent confessions of suspects arrested at the scene by Police operatives in synergy with the Military, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit on 29/11/2023 stormed the camp of the criminal syndicate at Umuohie in Ngor-Okpala LGA, dislodged the terrorists, recovered two automatic pump action riffles and six rounds of life cartridges.
“The determined operatives continued their operation in search of the fleeing terrorists, storming Igbodo-Etche in Rivers State through a Technical Intelligence Tracking Device wherein a native doctor named Everest Agbaragam (‘m’, 62 yrs), of Umuoma, Igbodo, Etche Rivers State AKA Mount Everest was arrested.
“On searching his shrine one pump action gun loaded with 12 rounds of live cartridges, one big bag containing various denominations of Biafran currencies, one live crocodile, and fetish items were recovered.
“On interrogation, he confessed to being a member of IPOB/ESN.
“He stated that he usually prepares local bulletproof charms popular known as ‘Odeshi’ for his cohorts before they embark on any operation.
“He provided useful information to the gallant operatives in storming Umuogwu Forest in Aboh Mbaise LGA on 1/12/23.
“The terrorists on sighting the Police, engaged them in a gun battle but were subdued by the combat-ready operatives who professionally maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire.
“In the ensuing gun duel, some of them were neutralized, while others escaped into the thick forest with bullet wounds.
“The terrorist camp was dislodged and the following exhibits were recovered; 1. Five (5) AK-47 riffles, 2. Six (6) magazines containing two hundred and twenty (220) live ammunition, 3. Six (6) pump action guns, 4. One hundred and twenty-one (121) rounds of live cartridges, 5. One Revolver, 6. Four (4) locally made pistols, 7. Three Toyota Venza Cars, including the one they used in attacking the DPO, One Toyota Highlander SUV, and IEDs,” he said.
