Sustained intelligence-led operations by joint security forces in Imo State have reportedly neutralised key commanders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Solomon Akarachukwu Alisiobi, popularly known as “Maddox”, and Chima Azubuogu, alias “Akajiofor”.

The two suspected commanders were killed during raids on camps linked to suspected commanders Ifeanyi Okorienta-Eze, also known as “Gentle de Yahoo”, and Monday Oluchi Ogu, nicknamed “B44”.

Security sources said the operations had dealt a major blow to the group’s operational structure and thrown its camps into disarray.

The sources also said the coordinated offensives, spearheaded by the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with other security agencies, had significantly degraded the fighting capacity of the suspected militant group, resulting in a noticeable decline in violent attacks across the state.

They recalled that security operatives had, within the past month, neutralised several suspected ESN fighters during separate operations.

According to the sources, the operations had disrupted the network’s command structure, depleted its ranks and forced surviving members to abandon or relocate several camps, leaving the group struggling to coordinate attacks and maintain its operational foothold in the state.

The recent successes were attributed largely to sustained intelligence gathering and operational coordination by the DSS in Imo State, whose intelligence-driven strategy had continued to support joint operations involving other security agencies.

Security stakeholders said the approach had not only dismantled key elements of the suspected militant network but had also contributed to the relative peace witnessed across many parts of Imo State in recent weeks.

Residents of the state have also acknowledged the improved security environment, commending the efforts of the DSS and other security agencies for restoring confidence and enabling communities to resume normal economic and social activities.

They, however, urged the security agencies to sustain the ongoing operations until all criminal elements were flushed out and lasting peace was fully restored across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)