Security Operatives have uncovered suspected Eastern Security Network (ESN) camps, in Omege village, Agba community and a shrine in Isu Onicha, all in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Ebonyi State Police spokesman Chris Anyanwu in a statement issued on Sunday said the operation was in its continued effort to rid the State of all forms of criminal activities,
Parading two suspects in connection with the group in Abakaliki, he said the police officers stormed the camp and dislodged the hoodlums who took to their heels after a gun duel that lasted over thirty minutes and arrested two suspects.
According to him, one of the leaders of the organisation popularly known as Sars Commander said to be an indigene of Cross River State is on the run and declared wanted.
“The operation was spearheaded by the Command’s Tactical teams, assisted by the military and DSS in the state.
“It was prompted by quantum pieces of reliable evidence, professionally elicited from the interrogation of Nnamdi Ngwuta, aka State Commander, number three, and another operative of the outlawed group, Felix Ogudu,” who were earlier arrested.
“While accessing the camps, the combined teams were ambushed by the criminal elements with a rain of sporadic shooting in their direction.”
“Without hesitation, the allied team swiftly responded and engaged them in the same manner, and of course, their superior firepower subdued the miscreants.
“They chanted morale-boasting war songs, dived into the Opeke River, and swarmed in different directions as they scampered for safety.
“However, a good number of them were neutralised while many escaped with bullet injuries.
“After dislodging the criminal elements and taking over the ground, the camp, which they christened “IGBO BU IGBO TRAINING SCHOOL CAMP,” was ransacked and destroyed.
“Equally, a wooden bridge under construction, intended to aid the miscreants in their coming and going, was dismantled,” he added.
The spokesperson listed the recovered exhibits as including 11 bullet-proof jackets and eight sets of military camouflage uniforms.
“Two camp-gas cookers, 110 rounds of FNC live ammunition, 40 rounds of GPMG live ammunition, two PRO electronics scanners (EOD equipment), five empty canons and five single-barrel guns were also recovered, among others.
He further revealed that this breakthrough by the police is seen as timely as campaigns for the 2023 general elections kick-off as well as the yuletide season which draws near.
