Police kill three terrorist Kingpins in major operation

Nigeria Police Force, through operatives of the Imo State Police Command, neutralized three notorious terrorist kingpins linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The operation is part of the Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and restore peace nationwide.

The development was announced in a statement by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the tactical unit of the Imo State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated operation on January 24, 2025, to dismantle a known terrorist hideout in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.

“Upon arriving at the forested location, the operatives faced heavy gunfire from suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, ESN.

“However, the officers displayed remarkable courage, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of fire”, the statement reads.

It noted that the operation resulted in the neutralization of six terrorists, including three ESN kingpins: 28-year-old Ifeanyi Anayo (a.k.a. Zuma De Rock), 22-year-old Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe (a.k.a. Nmimi), and 21-year-old Kingsley Sunday. All three were identified as natives of Ogube, Ihube, in Okigwe LGA.

In addition to eliminating the threat, the operatives recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), communication equipment, and eight operational motorcycles used by the group.

Police also said that investigations have linked the group to a series of high-profile crimes, such as the April 5, 2021, attack on the Owerri Correctional Center, the December 12, 2022, killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, and the February 8, 2022, burning of Arondizuogu Police Station.

“The group was also responsible for multiple kidnappings, including the abduction of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023”, it stated.

Kayode  Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism in neutralizing the threat.

He urged police commands nationwide to maintain the momentum and implement strategic measures to curb criminal activities in the first quarter of 2025.

Reiterating the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety, the IGP called on citizens to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement to create a peaceful and secure environment for all.