The Enugu State Police Command conducted a raid on hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the Akwuke area of Enugu city.
The police encountered resistance from the group members, who fired at them, but the police were able to overpower them, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The raid took place at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, as stated by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
Some members of the group managed to escape with gunshot wounds. The police seized weapons such as an AK-47 rifle, a Sub-Machine Gun (SMG), a stainless Pump-Action Gun (PAG), along with ammunition during the raid.
Additionally, they found five live cartridges and a small blue Gideon New Testament Bible, which may have been used to hide objects believed to be charms.
“In pursuance of the proactive/crime prevention strategies devised by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, police operatives of Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad carried out an intelligence-guided raid of a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Akwuke community in Enugu metropolis.
“A preliminary investigation reveals that the breech number of the recovered AK-47 was wiped off.
“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,” he said.
