Twenty-seven suspected kidnappers and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been killed in a series of operations over the past two weeks.
The announcement was made by the office of Governor Peter Mbah, who praised the combined efforts of security agencies working across the state.
According to a statement released by Governor Mbah’s media office on Wednesday, the suspects were killed in shootouts with security operatives at various locations throughout Enugu State.
The statement also revealed that the victims were believed to be loyal to Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who is known for his radical stance and influence over the ESN.
Superintendent Onochie Ezeh, who led one of the recent operations, shared details about the successful raid. Speaking at Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road early Wednesday, Ezeh described how his team, acting on a tip-off, targeted a large poultry farm in Ogbeke Nike where kidnappers had been hiding their victims.
“We had been tracking these kidnappers for over three months,” Ezeh explained. “They used the poultry farm to conceal their hostages and demand ransoms. When we arrived, they opened fire on us, but we were able to neutralize them with our superior firepower.”
Ezeh further noted that the combined security task force, formed under the governor’s directives, has achieved significant success in the fight against crime. The task force has already dismantled over seven criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and other violent activities.
“We have been able to identify and neutralize several criminal hideouts,” Ezeh added. “These include locations like New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, and other areas within the state. Our goal is to eradicate these threats and restore peace to Enugu.”
The security team has also recovered guns and other valuables during their operations, contributing to a significant reduction in criminal activities in the state.
The impact of these operations has been substantial for the residents of Enugu. One of the rescued victims, Dr. Kate Pamela, recounted her harrowing experience with the kidnappers. She was held captive for five days at the poultry farm before being freed by the security forces.
“It was a traumatic experience,” Dr. Pamela said. “They kept us in the poultry farm, and two people were killed because their families couldn’t meet the ransom demands. I still feel that the poultry farm should be shut down completely to prevent it from being used for criminal activities again.”
