Joint security forces in Imo have neutralised key commanders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), dealing a major blow to the group’s operational structure and throwing its camps into disarray.
This is contained in a statement by the Department of State Services made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday.
The department said that sustained intelligence-led operations by the security forces, including coordinated offensives, have significantly degraded the fighting capacity of the suspected militant group, resulting in a noticeable decline in violent attacks across the state.
It said that among those killed were two alleged notorious commanders, Solomon Akarachukwu Alisiobi, popularly known as “Maddox”, and Chima Azubuogu, alias “Akajiofor”.
It added that they were neitralised during raids on camps linked to suspected commanders Ifeanyi Okorienta-Eze, also known as “Gentle de Yahoo”, and Monday Oluchi Ogu, nicknamed “B44”.
It attributed the successes to sustained intelligence gathering and operational coordination by the DSS in Imo whose intelligence-driven strategy has continued to support joint operations involving other security agencies.
According to the department, stakeholders have hailed the approach, saying that it not only dismantled key elements of the militant network but has also contributed to the relative peace witnessed across many parts of Imo in recent weeks.
“ Within the past month, security operatives reportedly neutralised several suspected ESN fighters during separate operations.
“ The operations have disrupted the command structure of the network, depleted its ranks and forced surviving members to abandon or relocate several camps, leaving the group struggling to coordinate attacks and maintain its operational foothold in the state “, the DSS said.