Taskforce neutralises four suspected terrorists in Imo

The Joint Security Taskforce in Imo State, code-named Operation Udoka, has neutralised four suspected terrorists and arrested five others during an ongoing operation in the community.

The operation, according to reports, is targeted at dismantling the camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security outfit, Eastern Security Network (ESN), “responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the state.”

They also dislodged alleged IPOB/ESN members from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Eziama Obiato, Mbaitoli Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, which, the Guardian gathered, had been used by the hoodlums, led by one Monday Oluchukwu Ogu, popularly known as B44, as their camp.

The taskforce, which included the Police, Armed Forces, Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said that the hoodlums took off from the church to launch their criminal activities in the community and the state at large.

Briefing newsmen during their assessment visit to Eziama Community, which had been under siege by the B44 men, Brig. Gen. Usman Lawal, Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze; CP Aboki Danjuma, Police Commissioner; Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd), SA to the Imo State Government on Security Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the level of achievements recorded in the operation.

The security chiefs said Eziama Community, which had been deserted over time, is one of the strongholds of the criminal elements in the state, with Biafra flags and symbols mounted and painted at strategic places in the area.
They disclosed that aside from several arrests made, arms and ammunition were recovered, while many explosive devices planted by the hoodlums to forestall the operation were identified and detonated.

They reiterated the commitment of the state government, led by Sen. Hope Uzodimma, and the security agencies in the state to restore peace and stability while soliciting public support toward achieving adequate security in the state.

Danjuma, Ogbonna, and others also appealed to indigenes of the community and others from the other deserted communities in the state to return home, assuring them of adequate security and protection.

The CP also used the opportunity to reassure citizens of the Command’s commitment, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to guarantee security during the yuletide celebrations.

“During this operation, security forces successfully neutralized four suspected terrorists and arrested five others following a protracted gunfight with the terrorists. In addition, eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons, including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to IPOB/ESN members were recovered,” he said.

Also included in the assessment visit were Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri; Naval Commander Oguta; and Commodore MB Salisu, the DSS Commander, and the NSCDC Commander.

Recall that this operation followed the dismantling of another ESN camp in Aku Community in the Okigwe LGA earlier this month.