Respite For Imo Residents As Operatives Eliminate IPOB Commander, Others

BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – About twenty-four hours after ‘Ikonso’, the acclaimed commander of insurgent groups in the South-east geo-political zone was successfully neutralised by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigerian Army, residents of Imo state are now basking in the euphoria of what many have described as a massive security breakthrough.

Reports said it is indeed celebration time for Imolites with most of them admitting that the era of holding the state hostage by criminal gangs may soon be over with the elimination of the notorious ‘Ikonso’ alongside six other armed fighters of the militia group.

Our correspondent reports that many residents are in happy mood and cheerfully discussing the joint security team’s exploits that took place in the early hours of Saturday, April 24, 2021.

The joint security team achieved the huge security feat when the personnel stormed the so-called operational headquarters of the Insurgents (IPOB Militias) located in Awomama Village, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the reports, the group has been fingered in the April 5, 2021 attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters and the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters. They have also been accused of carrying out series of calculated, violent attacks on security personnel and formations in both the South east and South south part of the country.

An intelligence source quoted by PRNigeria said that while approaching the insurgents’ hideout and operational base, the security forces came under heavy fire from the group, adding; “In a bold and clinical response, the joint security forces fought back gallantly.

“The Forces eventually neutralized the overall commander of the insurgents in the Southeast popularly known as Ikonso Commander and six other armed fighters of the insurgent group.

“Commander Ikonso is known as the Vice President designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was the mastermind and coordinator of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.

“The operation is part of deliberate effort by the Police and other security forces to quell the activities of insurgents in Imo State and other States of the South East and South South region of the country,” the source added.

Overpowering the insurgents with superior firepower in a fierce gun battle, the security operatives recovered the remains of ‘Ikonso’ Commander and the six(6) of his lieutenants from the area. Also recovered from the scene were several sophisticated weapons, including six (6) AK47 rifles; hundreds of ammunition of different caliber; and lots of charms, including bullet proof charms.

However, confirmed reports said that three policemen and one army officer are currently receiving treatment for serious bullet injuries sustained during exchange of gunfire with the insurgents.