Operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, Enugu State Police Command on Saturday carried out an intelligence-guided raid on a criminal hideout of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), the state.
The raid that took place at about 2:30 a.m. in Akwuke Community of Enugu South Local Government Area of the state led to the killing of two suspected members of the group.
A statement by the spokesman of the Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe disclosed that the operatives were met with resistance from the renegades, who, he claimed opened fire upon sighting them.
He however averred that the hoodlums were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives, adding that two of the criminal elements were neutralized, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Ndukwe disclosed that one AK-47 rifle, one submachine gun (SMG), one stainless pump-action gun (PAG), twenty live and twenty expended rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition were recovered from them after the raid.
“Also recovered are five (5) live cartridges, and a small blue-colored Gideon New Testament bible used to conceal objects suspected to be charm.
“A preliminary investigation reveals that the breech number of the recovered AK-47 was wiped off and that 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,” the police spokesperson said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, while commending the Operatives for the operational feat, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid Enugu State of unrepentant criminals.
He however, solicits the continued support of the citizens, while urging them and owners of medical facilities, in particular, to report persons found with gunshot wounds to the police.