Anambra: Naval boss orders alert over threats from ESN

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has ordered officers and soldiers deployed to Anambra State to be on alert, following threats from the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).

Gambo, while speaking to newsmen yesterday, shortly after a meeting with Governor Willie Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha, charged naval personnel to redouble their efforts on the war against criminal elements working to truncate the existing peace in the state.

The directive is coming on the heels of recent attacks on security personnel and formations in the state, during which four naval personnel lost their lives in separate attacks by unknown gunmen.

Gambo had earlier made an operational visit to the Onitsha Naval Outpost, where he explained that the maiden visit was timely and a period of sober reflection following the ugly incident.

He said he wouldn’t have been here, “but for expediency, following the two separate incidents last week that led to the loss of some of our men and two weapons, even though the attack was not limited to our men, because I understand that Correctional Service team conveying a suspect to the court was also attacked.

“I am here to reassure our staff at the Naval Outpost, who have been here since 2010, to redouble their efforts and to be more alert, based on the potent threats we are observing now from the ESN, the security arm of the IPOB.”

Earlier in his speech, Obiano commended the naval chief for the prompt response during the ugly development, adding: “When we had the ugly incident that led to loss of lives, they responded quickly and sent a special crack team, which is doing a great work.”