At least three members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been arrested by men of the Enugu State Police Command.
This was made known by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the suspects in their hideouts within Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area in the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday, the personnel, during the operation, also recovered three pump-action guns, 10 machetes and other incriminating exhibits.
The criminals, Ndukwe said, were busted at about 2:15 am on Monday.
Ndukwe said, “A joint security team, comprising police operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, busted the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements.
“The criminal elements were already perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.
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“Three of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralised while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight.
“There has been an intense manhunt for those on the run.”
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the joint team, while assuring of the security and safety of citizens and urged them to go about their lawful businesses in the state.
The police boss reiterated the avowed commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise.
He, therefore, enjoined all and sundry to report individuals sighted with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
“The good people of Enugu State should remain law-abiding and continue to provide the police with actionable security information and intelligence,” he advised.