Operatives from the Imo State Police Command‘s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base), in collaboration with military personnel, have successfully dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist and kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on October 4, 2024, in Ezioha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The operation led to the neutralization of one suspected member of the gang and the safe rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29, 2024.
Confirming the incident on Friday in a statement, the police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye said the rescued victims include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31 respectively, both natives of Ohi in Mbaitolu LGA, as well as Bartholomew, a 56-year-old male from Benue State.
He explained that as security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect.
Others fled into nearby bushes with varying injuries. Items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander SUVs, an ash-colored Toyota Camry.