- Enugu State Police Command neutralizes two Eastern Security Network (ESN) members during a raid in Akwuke community
- Law enforcement recovers weaponry including AK-47 rifle, submachine gun, and pump-action gun, along with ammunition, in the operation
The Enugu State Police Command has reported the successful neutralization of two members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a raid on their camp.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the operation, conducted by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, was intelligence-driven and took place on March 30, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m. in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government Area.
Following the raid, law enforcement recovered significant weaponry, including an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, and a stainless pump-action gun, along with ammunition. The recovered items comprised 27 live rounds and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm calibre ammunition.
The police encountered resistance from the ESN members, who engaged them in gunfire. However, the law enforcement operatives, equipped with superior firepower, overcame the resistance.
The statement emphasized that while two members of the group were neutralized, others managed to escape with gunshot injuries of varying severity. Additionally, five live cartridges and a small blue-coloured Gideon New Testament bible, believed to be used for concealing charms, were seized during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the AK-47 recovered had its breech number erased, indicating its illicit origins. Further inquiries are underway to ascertain the group’s involvement in previous criminal activities, including attacks on police officers and theft of firearms.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives for their successful operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from Enugu State. He urged citizens to support law enforcement efforts by reporting individuals with gunshot wounds and encouraged medical facility owners to cooperate with the police in this regard.