Two suspected IPOB/ESN sub-commanders were killed in a police-led clearance operation across Mbaitoli and Njaba LGAs in Imo State. Weapons were recovered, and remaining members fled

Two suspected sub-commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) were neutralised during a tactical police clearance operation in forest hideouts across Amaocha Afara, Umunoha, and Ifakala in Imo State.

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According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the operation took place late on February 24, following actionable intelligence.

When confronted by police operatives, the suspects engaged in a gun battle, leading to the deaths of the sub-commanders identified by their aliases: “Minute” from Ebonyi State and “Nwaotu” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA.

The police recovered two automatic pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, six spent cartridges, and a walkie-talkie. Remaining members of the group fled, sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

Authorities confirmed that no police personnel were harmed during the operation. Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing members.

The Imo State Police Command stated that the exercise is part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks in the state.

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Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.