A late-night clearance operation by security operatives has left two suspected sub-commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) dead in parts of Imo State.
The raid targeted forest hideouts in Amaocha Afara, Umunoha and Ifakala communities spanning Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas.
A counter-insurgency and security analyst covering the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on his official X handle on Thursday.
According to Makama, the operation was conducted late on February 24 by tactical teams of the Imo State Police Command following what he described as actionable intelligence.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
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The exchange, he said, resulted in the death of two men identified by their aliases as “Minute,” said to be from Ebonyi State, and “Nwaotu,” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA. Both were described as sub-commanders within the group.
Security operatives were said to have recovered two automatic pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, six spent cartridges and a walkie-talkie from the scene.
Other members of the group reportedly fled into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of injuries.
“The authorities confirmed that no police personnel were harmed during the operation, while efforts continue to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.
“The clearance exercise forms part of the Imo State Police Command’s ongoing campaign to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks in the state,” the post added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no independent statement from the police command.
