Police Raid in Enugu Forest Leaves IPOB, ESN Members Dead

In a coordinated raid early Wednesday, police operatives in Enugu State targeted a camp belonging to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the deaths of two members of the outlawed groups.

State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Daniel Ndukwe announced that the raid, conducted around 2 a.m., was a joint effort with the Neighborhood Watch Group. The action followed intelligence reports on the groups’ activities in the forest.

Upon the operatives’ arrival, the armed individuals opened fire. “The police operatives returned fire at a superior level, forcing the criminals to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Ndukwe stated. Subsequent searches revealed two deceased suspects and led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, four magazines loaded with 75 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a Beretta pistol with eight rounds of 0.9 mm ammunition, two motorcycles, an ATM card, cash, and various food supplies.

Preliminary investigations suggest the group was involved in multiple crimes in the Nsukka area, including recent attacks on police and security personnel. State Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu praised the successful operation and urged medical personnel and the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds.

Uzuegbu also directed local commanders and tactical squads to remain vigilant and continue identifying and dismantling criminal hideouts within their jurisdictions.