A combined team of security operatives comprising the Nigerian Police, Armed Forces, Department of State Security Service, DSS and Nigerian Civil Defense have dismantled criminal hideouts responsible for the incessant civil unrest in Ezioha, autonomous community of Eziama in Mbaitoli LGA Imo State.
In a press statement made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, he said the operation led to the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five, the recovery of several weapons fire and other objects related to the suspects.
Okoye reported that the operation was a success thanks to the combined security teams in their renewed effort to improve security and combat the insurgency.
He noted that the various security agencies, under the auspices of “Operation Udoka”, have strengthened their operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
The statement revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma and other service commanders carried out an assessment of the ongoing operation in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community, aimed at targeting criminal hideouts responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.
The police spokesperson hinted that the operation that led to the busting of the suspects' hideouts was followed by a prolonged gunfight in which the terrorists revealed that eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons, including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to them were recovered. to the suspects.
“The assessment involved key security figures including the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General UA Lawal, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Air Commodore David Bello, Response Group Commander Fast NAF 211, Owerri, Naval Commander Oguta. , Commodore MB Salisu, DSS Commander, NSCDC Commander and SSA Governor Security Affairs Brig. General Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.). “They praised the professionalism of the joint security officers and highlighted the importance of public cooperation to assist in the fight against crime by providing valuable intelligence,” he said.
Okoye commented that the operation followed an earlier looting of a similar criminal hideout in Aku within a month.
He further said that the State Police Commissioner seized the moment to assure the people of the state that the security agencies were working in unison to protect the state.
“The PC. He called on all citizens to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment during the festive season,” Okoye said.