The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, announced that the Nigeria Police Force has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.

The operation, which took place on January 24, 2025, resulted in the neutralization of six members of the terrorist group, with three being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21). Adejobi stated that the operatives also recovered five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with eight operational motorcycles used by the group.

Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, and the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022. Adejobi noted that the group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination. Adejobi quoted the IGP as charging police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025. Adejobi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.