Crime

Police Burst Terrorists’ Camp, Neutralizes 6

By Web News 428

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have burst a terrorist hideout in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area and killed six members.

The gang was alleged to be the masterminds behind the attack on the Correctional Centre Owerri, the murder of five policemen, the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station, and several kidnaps within Imo State.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement shared via the Force’s Facebook page on Saturday.

Adejobi said on January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts, adding that the police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA and swooped on the suspects.

He said the police operatives who acted on credible information on Friday stormed a forest within Ihube, in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo state where they swooped on the alleged terrorist gang, three of which were members of the Eastern Security Network.

According to him, upon approach into the forest, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

The statement read, “The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21), all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), some communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.

“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in
Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.

“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese Nationals on December 6, 2023.

According to him, the operation was part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to emplace peace and public safety across the country, to sustain the battle against terrorism saying “police operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN)”.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.

The IGP charged police operatives across the different commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the
year 2025.

Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring National security and public safety.

He however called on members of the public to “Remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Security

IGP Establishes Special Protection Squad for Schools

By Web News 313

The acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad, a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria.

The Force Headquarters, in a statement obtained by newsmen on Monday, said this was part of Egbetokun’s policy geared towards the security of lives and property, most especially the safety of schools and students.

“In furtherance of the safety drives, the IG has also concluded plans to launch a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure handbook for the Safe Schools Programme.

“The official launch and training event is scheduled to take place on August 9, 2023, with the participation of 250 individuals drawn from various sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organizations, media, school administrators, unions, and other stakeholders,” The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said.

Adejobi further noted that the SPS is a specialized unit within the Nigeria Police Force tasked with drawing up policies and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of students, teachers, and school infrastructure.

He added, “The squad will be equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions. The launch of the SOP handbook for the Safe Schools Programme is an integral part of the initiative. This comprehensive handbook outlines the best practices and guidelines for securing schools, risk assessment, emergency response protocols, and collaboration between various stakeholders.

“The SOP will serve as a crucial reference for educational authorities, security agencies, and other participants involved in the Safe Schools Programme, empowering them to take coordinated and effective measures in ensuring the safety and protection of schools.

“The Inspector-General of Police, hereby calls on all relevant stakeholders to actively participate and support the initiative for the safety and general well-being of our educational assets in Nigeria. The IG similarly believes that through collaborative efforts and a united approach, Nigeria can build a robust education system that guarantees a secure and conducive learning environment for every child.”

It is worth noting that there have been previous incidents of attacks on schools, resulting in the abduction of students and teachers.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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