TheCable

Cyprian Akaolisa, attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Imo, says the state government invited the military to flush out operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orlu. 

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), had in December, launched ESN, saying the objective of the security network is to protect the south-east and south-south from “criminal activity”.

The group had likened ESN to Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun in the south-west. 

In January,  four people were killed when ESN operatives clashed with soldiers in Orlu. 

In the past weeks, there have been concerns about security issues in Orlu, with some accusing the military of invading the communities. 

But Akaolisa said the military targets were the ESN members who he accused of looting arms and killing people. 

“The Imo state government invited the military to flush out the hoodlums who call themselves ESN in Orlu,” the commissioner said. 

He said ESN member would be tried for alleged murder of citizens in Orlu. 

He also blamed Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the IPOB, for the crisis in Orlu. 

Commending the federal government for sending in troops, the commissioner added that the military would not leave until peace was restored to the area. 

Ibikunle Daramola and Mohammed Yerima, spokesperson of the air force and army respectively, did not respond to messages seeking military reaction on the development.

A federal high court in Abuja had, in 2017, declared the activities of the IPOB as “acts of terrorism”.

This followed an application filed by Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.

Malami had asked the court to proscribe the group.