The Enugu State Police Command has announced the killing of two members of the Eastern Security Network, a security outfit of the Indigenous People of Biafra, during a raid on their camp.
The command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Sunday, said the fighters engaged policemen in a gun duel but bowed to superior firepower.
According to him, some of the IPOB fighters escaped with gunshot wounds, calling on hospitals in Enugu State to be on the lookout and alert the police if any patient presents with gunshot wounds.
Ndukwe said the intelligence-guided raid was carried out at about 2.30 am on March 30 by operatives of the command serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad.
He said the raided camp was in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.
“The operatives were, however, met with resistance from the renegades, who opened fire upon sighting them, but they were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives.
“Two of the criminal elements were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Ndukwe said.
According to him, the raid was pursuant to crime prevention strategies devised by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Kanayo Uzuegbu, for the Easter period.
He said one AK-47 rifle, one submachine gun, one stainless pump-action gun, 27 live and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm calibre ammunition were recovered during the raid.
He said, “Also recovered were five live cartridges, and a small blue-colored Gideon New Testament bible used to conceal objects suspected to be a charm.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the breech number of the recovered AK-47 was wiped off and that the criminal elements are responsible for several attacks and carting away of police officers rifles, as the rifle’s magazine bore the Nigeria Police Force colour. Further discreet investigations are ongoing.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, while commending the operatives for the operational feat, has reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to rid Enugu State of unrepentant criminals.
“He, however, solicits the continued support of the citizenry, while urging them and owners of medical facilities, in particular, to report persons found with gunshot wounds to the police.”
