In a decisive crackdown on criminal activities, a combined force of security agencies in Enugu State has neutralized at least 27 individuals believed to be kidnappers and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The operations, carried out over the past two weeks, are part of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s intensified efforts to combat Biafra separatist groups and other criminal elements.
A statement released by the Governor’s media office on Wednesday revealed that the suspects were killed during shootouts with security operatives in various locations across the state. Among those neutralized were members loyal to Simon Ekpa, also known as Auto Pilot IPOB, who is based in Finland.
The statement also highlighted growing calls from residents for the state government to enforce its criminal code by demolishing properties used by criminals as hideouts, including those used by kidnappers. This, they believe, would serve as a strong deterrent to further criminal activity.
In a recent operation, a joint security team led by Superintendent Onochie Ezeh successfully rescued several kidnapped victims and eliminated a seven-man gang of kidnappers in Ogbeke Nike. The gang had been using a large poultry farm in the area to hide their hostages.
“We have been tracking these kidnappers for more than three months. They operated within this axis, where they held their victims at a poultry farm in Ogbeke Nike until ransoms were paid,” Ezeh explained. He recounted how, acting on a tip-off from local residents who noticed suspicious activities, the security team launched an operation that culminated in a fierce gun battle. “Upon sighting us, these criminals opened fire, but we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with superior firepower,” he added.
Superintendent Ezeh further noted that the combined security task force, established by Governor Mbah as a tactical squad to combat kidnappings and gunmen, has made significant progress in restoring peace and security in the state. “This is a highly skilled squad with a clear mandate to eliminate all threats in the state. Over the past months, we have neutralized over seven criminal gangs, most of which were involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said.
He emphasized that the task force is committed to rooting out criminal elements, having identified and dismantled numerous hideouts across the state, including New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke, Afa in Udi, and parts of Isi Uzo local government.
The statement also featured the harrowing account of one of the rescued victims, Dr. Kate Pamela, who recounted the trauma she endured at the hands of the kidnappers. “Every time I pass by that poultry farm, I am reminded of the injustice I suffered. They held us there for five days, and even killed two victims because their families could only raise ten million naira each, instead of the fifty million naira demanded,” she said. Dr. Pamela urged the government to ensure justice is served by clearing the area and repurposing the site.
Governor Mbah’s administration has vowed to continue its aggressive operations against criminal elements in Enugu State, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
