Police kill two ESN members during raid in Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have killed two members of the Eastern Security Network, a security outfit of the Indigenous People of Biafra, during a raid on their camp.

DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesman, stated in a statement on Sunday that one AK-47 rifle, one submachine gun, one stainless pump-action gun, 27 live rounds, and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition were recovered after the raid.

According to Ndukwe, the intelligence-guided raid was carried out by operatives of the command serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, on March 30, 2024, at about 2:30 a.m. in their camp in Akwuke community, Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.

The statement said it was in pursuance of the Easter crime prevention strategies devised by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu.

“The operatives were, however, met with resistance from the renegades, who opened fire upon sighting them, but they were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives,” the PPRO said.

“Two of the criminal elements were neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. One AK-47 rifle, one submachine gun (SMG), one stainless pump-action gun (PAG), 27 live rounds, and 23 expended rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition were recovered after the raid.

“Also recovered are five live cartridges, and a small blue-colored Gideon New Testament bible used to conceal objects suspected to be charms.

“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 the carting away of police officers’ rifles, as the rifle’s magazine bore the Nigeria Police Force colour. Further discreet investigations are ongoing.

“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 citizenry, while urging them and owners of medical facilities, in particular, to report persons found with gunshot wounds to the police,” the statement noted.