NGOZI OKORIE
A surviving member of the suspected criminal gang of the Eastern Security Network that attacked Owerri, Imo State, including the Police Headquarters, in early hours of Sunday, has disclosed the modus operandi of the gang.
The suspect, identified as Stanley Osinachi, is from Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
He confessed, during interrogation, that funding for the operations of the ESN came from supported abroad, adding that their charms were prepared in Aguleri, Anambra State.
The only surviving suspect said he was recruited into the ESN by the ring leader of the gang, simply identified as ‘Dragon’, who allegedly threatened to kill him when he wanted to leave the group.
He disclosed these when he was paraded alongside the lifeless bodies of his gang members, at the Imo Police Command in Owerri.
Recall that the other members of the gang were reportedly killed during a gun battle with police operatives.
Osinachi said, “Dragon recruited me by calling me on phone to join the Eastern Security Network. I was recruited for the past three days. Even when I wanted to leave, he said he would kill me. Our camp is at Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area.
“That is where we normally operate from and plan for our operation. Dragon told us that part of our plan was to be killing and burning police stations.”
Narrating how he was arrested, the suspect noted, “Policemen got me when we came out as early as 4am to attack Owerri. We were more than seven in number, coming to attack and five of us were killed by the police. I am the only person that survived.
“I want to tell you that in our camp, it is only dragon that wears military uniform and our charms are prepared at Aguleri in Anambra state. My arrest is in God’s time and everything that happens is according to God’s wish.”
On their upkeep and funding for their operations, Osinachi added, “It our people from abroad that send money to us through Dragon. It is dragon that goes to collect the money and brings it for our feeding and other needs.
“Dragon tells us to kill policemen and collect their guns for us to use for operation. We even kidnapped a police woman officer, and kept her in our custody so that she would be giving us information.”
The Imo Police Command, in its statement, said, “On 6th June, 2021 at about 0615 hours when Imolites were preparing to go to Church, hoodlums planned to turn the beautiful Sunday into a black Sunday with an attempt to attack Owerri, the State Capital. The attempt was vehemently repelled by the gallant forces of the Army, Police Special Forces and other supporting security agencies.
“The attackers who came in a white hummer bus, wanted to access the Command Headquarters through Works Layout around Alvan Nursery and Primary School Owerri but had a bloody fight with the security forces. They were first Intercepted by the Military at the outer perimeter cordon provided for the Police. Five hoodlums were killed in action (KIA), including Joseph Uka Nnachi, alias King of Dragons.
“One suspect, Stanley Osinachi, ‘m’ 30 years old of Achi/Mberi, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested and presently aiding investigation. He confirmed that Dragon is the leader of the gang in Imo State reporting to their supreme leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that they belong to the proscribed IPOB and ESN.
“Four AK 47 Rifles with 2000 rounds of live ammunition and large number of explosives were recovered from the scene. The Rifles breech numbers were crossed checked and found to be the same Police Rifles that were stolen by the hoodlums from our Police station at Omuma on 31st May, 2021 which claimed the lives of four Policemen.
“The exhibits recovered included: Assualt (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 03018058
Assualt (AR) Rifle Breach N0: 070007055
Assualt (AR) RIFLE Breach N0: 5801297
Six locally fabricated Explosive Devices
Police Beret Cap, 7 AK47 Magazines fully loaded, 1 military cap, 1 military cardigan (Polo), 1 Silver Coloured Mini Bus with Reg N0: WAM-8673 B AB, I Hummer Bus with Reg N0: KED-382 X Ladden with Explosive Devices.
“The same gang together with their members that were killed in previous operations were responsible for series of attacks in different parts of the State. They are the same people in the viral video that blocked the flyover at Orji and killed three unarmed civilians, including a woman they brought out of their vehicle blindfolded. A Police Inspector sustained gun shot wounds during the exchange of fire this morning and is currently receiving medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc, has commended the gallant effort of the security forces who stood firm and put their lives on the line in this accomplishment and restored sanity to Imo State. The CP used the opportunity to condole with families of Policemen that lost their lives in the hands of these terror gangs over the last few weeks and those that sustained various degrees of injuries.
“They are the real heroes. The Commissioner of Police also extends his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc, NPM, fdc for supporting the command with the necessary resources used in combating the deadly gang. The CP also thanks the Government and people of Imo State for their support and undiluted trust in the ability of the Police to restore peace to the State.
“Most importantly, the Commissioner of Police deeply appreciate the Armed Forces and the DSS. The Department of State Services has constantly fed the joint operation with credible intelligence while the Military has consistently provided defence and outer cover to the Police. The synergy amongst all the services is superb and has culminated in the landmark victory recorded today.”
“Lastly, the Commissioner of Police is calling on all those in possession of weapons stolen from Security Agencies to return them to the nearest Police Station or Military Installation not later than 12th June 2021, to prevent the long arms of the law catching up with them,” the Command advised.
