The police command in Enugu has neutralised three Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hoodlums in their hideouts within Ezioha Mgbowo in the Awgu Local Government Area of the state.

Police operatives also recovered three pump-action guns, 10 machetes and other incriminating exhibits.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Monday in Enugu, said the criminals were busted at about 2:15 a.m. on Monday.

He said they had planned to enforce the sit-at-home order when a joint security team busted their hideouts. 

“A joint security team, comprising police operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, busted the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements.

“The criminal elements were already perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

“Three of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralised, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight,” Mr Ndukwe said,  noting that a search had begun for the fleeing hoodlums. 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, while commending the joint team, reassured of the security and safety of citizens and urged them to go about their lawful businesses in the state.

The commissioner reiterated the avowed commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise.

(NAN)