The Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are thought to have a camp in the state of Imo, which was raided by police on Friday.
According to Michael Abattam, the state police command’s spokesman, who made the announcement in Owerri, five suspected members of the organisation were killed and a number of others were hurt during the raid.
Abattam said that the raid was carried out following credible information on the clandestine activities of the group at Izombe in Oguta local government area of the state.
He said: “The hoodlums, who on sighting the police operatives, engaged them in a gun battle.
“However, they were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the gallant police operatives.
“During the fierce gun battle, the hoodlums suffered huge casualties.”
Items recovered from the suspects include three English-made pump action guns, 118 GPMG ammunition, 41 AK 47 live ammunition, 19 G3 ammunition, one cut-to-size locally made double-barrel, and one locally-made double-barrel gun.
Others are four locally-made pistols, four locally-made explosive devices, military and police uniforms, Biafran flags, four ESN caps, one pair of police boots, various types of hard drugs, and some police accoutrements.
The spokesman added: “Also recovered were four live tortoises, large quantities of weeds, suspected to be Cannabis, and red cloth.
“After the successful raid, the operatives while leaving the camp were ambushed some distance away by the hoodlums, who engaged them in another gun duel.
“During the exchange of gun fire, the operatives were able to subdue them and, in the process, five of them were neutralised.
“Unfortunately, three police operatives sustained non-life threatening injuries and were taken to a government hospital where they were treated.”
