Security operatives kill 27 kidnappers, IPOB members in Enugu

At least 27 people suspected of being part of a kidnapping gang, some of whom are linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been killed in a recent operation by a coalition of security agencies in Enugu State.

Naija News reports that this development follows the administration of Governor Peter Mbah‘s announcement of a tough campaign against separatist factions in Biafra and other criminal activities.

As reported by the governor’s press office on Wednesday, these individuals were neutralized during several clashes with security forces in the state over the past two weeks.

The statement stressed that some of the neutralized individuals had links to Simon Ekpa, also known as Auto Pilot IPOB, based in Finland.

Residents have called on the governor to enforce the state’s penal code and demolish properties used as hideouts by kidnappers and other criminals to deter further illegal activities, the statement said.

In addition, it was reported that in a recent operation, a joint security team led by Superintendent Onochie Ezeh successfully rescued kidnapped victims and eliminated a gang of seven kidnappers in Ogbeke Nike, where a large poultry farm was reportedly being used to hide hostages.

This operation is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at eradicating criminal elements within the state, including kidnappers, unidentified gunmen and other criminals, some of whom are suspected of operating from neighbouring states.

“We have been on the trail of these kidnappers for over three months. They were active within this axis where they kidnapped their victims and held them at a large poultry farm in Ogbeke Nike until ransom was paid,” The PUNCH quoted Ezeh as saying:

“When we received a tip-off from members of the public who suspected the strange movements in the area, and based on the stories of some of the victims of these criminals, we swung into action. Upon seeing us, these underworld men opened fire on my men, and we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with our superior firepower,he emphasized.

Ezeh further revealed that the Joint Security Unit, which was established by Governor Mbah as a specialised unit to combat kidnappings and the actions of armed assailants, has made significant progress in maintaining law and order in the state and eliminating criminal elements.

“This is a brave crack squad with the mandate to eliminate every form of menace in the state. We have recorded tremendous successes in the past few months. You know that our role is not to run to the media to tell our story but to ensure that every citizen and resident of the state has peace.

“I can tell you that we have neutralized over seven criminal gangs, most of whom were kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We are going after them. We are taking the fight to their doorsteps because the governor has instructed us not to return until we completely rid the state of these menaces.

“So we are on it. During our operations, we have identified many criminal hideouts that serve as rogue locations where kidnap victims and dangerous weapons are kept. These places include New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, Afa in Udi and some parts of Isi Uzo local government.

“During the rescue operations we were able to neutralize more than 30 kidnappers and confiscate weapons and valuables,” Eze added.

One of the rescued victims, identified as Dr. Kate Pamela, told a press conference about her horrific experience with the kidnappers: “Every time I pass by that bird, I feel like I have been denied justice by allowing it to continue operating. They kidnapped us and held us there for five days. They even killed two of the victims because their families could only afford ten million naira each instead of the fifty million naira demanded.

“Although I have been able to identify the bodies of three of the kidnappers when they were killed, I still believe that the area should be cleaned up. The government should ensure justice by turning that place into a dumping ground.”

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