A combined team of security operatives made up of the Nigeria Police force, Armed forces, Department of State Security Service, DSS and Nigeria Civil Defense have dismantled criminal hideouts responsible for incessant civil unrest in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli LGA Imo State.

In a press statement made available to Journalists by the State Police Command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said the operation led to the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five, recovery of various firearms and other items linked to the suspects.

Okoye informed that the operation was made successful by the combined security outfits in their renewed effort to improve security and combat insurgency.

He pointed out that the various security agencies, under the auspices of “Operation Udoka”, have strengthened their operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The release revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma and other service commanders conducted an assessment of the ongoing operation in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community aimed at targeting criminal hideouts responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.

The police spokesperson hinted that the operation leading to the dismantling of the suspect’s hideouts was followed by a protracted gunfight with the terrorists disclosing that eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to the suspects were recovered.

“The assessment, involved key security figures, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri, Naval Commander Oguta, Commodore MB Salisu, the DSS Commander, the NSCDC Commander, and the SSA to the Governor on Security Affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.). They commended the professionalism of the joint security operatives and stressed the importance of public cooperation in aiding the fight against crime by providing valuable intelligence,” he stated.

Okoye remarked that the operation followed an earlier ransacking of a similar criminal hideout in Aku within the month.

He further stated that the State Police Commissioner used the moment to reassure the people of the state that the security agencies were working in unison to protect the state.

“The CP. called on all citizens to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment throughout the holiday season.”Okoye further stated.