The Imo state police command has Apprehended a terrorist alleged to be a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspect, according to a release signed by the Command's Spokesman, Henry Okoye, is an indigene of Amauzu in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo state.
The 38-year-old suspect is said to be on the command's wanted list due to a series of terrorist activities he reportedly perpetrated in the state alongside his criminal cohorts.
Henry Okoye, in the release, said he was arrested on Monday at his criminal hideout in Umuogi after a fierce gunfire with the operatives of the command.
He listed among other dangerous items recovered from him to include one pump action gun with six rounds of live cartridges, one barreta pistol loaded with 2 rounds of live ammunition, and other incriminating items.
It reads further, "following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence by Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit which led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN Terrorist, Chidebere Nwuzor, ‘m’, 38yrs, of Amauzu in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
"The alleged gunman has been on the Command’s wanted list due to a series of terrorist activities he reputedly perpetrated in the State alongside his criminal cohorts. He was arrested on 8/04/2024, in his criminal hideout in Umuogu after a fierce gunfight with the ever-gallant operatives, which forced him to surrender after sustaining gunshot injuries on his right leg.
"Recovered from the suspect includes; one pump action gun with six rounds of live cartridges, one Barrera Pistol loaded with 2 rounds of live ammunition, and other incriminating teams
"On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a deadly IPOB/ESN syndicate responsible for enforcing unlawfully imposed sit-at-home orders by the outlaw group and unleashing mayhem on unsuspecting citizens in the State.
"He stated that he was recruited into the deadly terrorist group by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, who were earlier neutralized by the operatives in December 2023, and admitted that he drove the operation vehicle that was used in the attack that led to the killing of DPO Ahaizu Mbaise and Inspector of Police in November 2023.
"The suspect is currently assisting the determined operatives in the investigation, he has provided useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects at large and will certainly be made to face the full weight of the law upon completion of a thorough investigation.
"This operational feat amongst many others underscores the Command’s unalloyed determination to put an end to all forms of violent crimes in the State.
"While commending the operatives for their gallantry display in achieving the operational breakthrough, the Commission of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma assures the good people of Imo State that the Command will not relent in its unwavering commitment to clamp down on criminally minded element in the State."
