SAA event in Nigeria on Thu 26th February 2026

IMO: Two IPOB/ESN Sub-Commanders Killed During Police-Led Forest Clearance Operation

By: Zagazola Makama 

Two sub-commanders of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) were neutralized during a police-led clearance operation in forest hideouts across Amaocha Afara, Umunoha, and Ifakala in Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Zagazola learnt that the  operation, conducted late on Feb. 24, was carried out by tactical teams of the Imo State Police Command following actionable intelligence. 

On sighting the police operatives, the terrorists engaged in a gun battle, resulting in the death of two sub-commanders identified as alias “Minute,” from Ebonyi State, and alias “Nwaotu,” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA.

Police recovered two automatic pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, six spent cartridges, and a walkie-talkie from the scene. The remaining members of the group fled with varying degrees of injuries.

The authorities confirmed that no police personnel were harmed during the operation, while efforts continue to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists. 

The clearance exercise forms part of the Imo State Police Command’s ongoing campaign to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks in the state.