The Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, and Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the operational headquarters of ESN in Awomama Village Oru East LGA of Imo State, Njenje Media News reports.
According to reports, the ESN fighters opened fire as security forces stormed their hideout.
An intelligence officer told PRNigeria:
“In a 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.
“Ikonso is the Vice President-designate as well as the coordinator of all the militia operations of the group. He was the mastermind of the attack on the Imo Police Headquarters and several other attacks on security and military personnel and facilities.
“The operation is part of a 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 said.
After the battle, the remains of Ikonso and others killed were recovered. Six AK47 rifles, hundreds of ammunition of different caliber, bulletproof charms, among others, were found.
Three policemen and one army officer are reportedly receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the fight.
Njenje Media News recalls that ESN is the militia wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed organization led by Maazi Nnamdi Kanu.
