TheCable

The Enugu police command says three gunmen have been killed during a raid on a suspected hideout of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In a statement on Friday, Daniel Ndukwe, police spokesperson in the state, said personnel engaged the gunmen in a gun battle at Imufu community in Igbo-Eze North LGA.

Ndukwe said the raid was conducted in collaboration with a combined team of police special forces on August 10.

“The combined team in the morning hours of Aug. 10 raided a suspected IPOB/ESN camp, at Imufu in Igbo-Eze North local government area and the team engaged in a gun duel with the criminals,” the statement reads.

“However, three of the hoodlums were neutralised in the ensuing gunfight, while many others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the criminals were responsible for the shooting and killing of two neighbourhood watch group security personnel on July 21 at about 1 am at Umuagama in Enugu-Ezike community.

“The hoodlums also made several attempts to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in some parts of the council area recently.”

The police spokesperson added that four pump action guns, one locally fabricated revolver gun and pistol, each with 67 live cartridges, were recovered from the gunmen.

Other items recovered include military camouflage uniforms, fabrics with IPOB insignia and objects suspected to be amulets.

Ahmed Ammani, commissioner of police, assured the public of the command’s commitment to eradicating criminals in the state.

Ammani urged residents to support the police and report any individual seen with bunker injuries to the command.