PRESS RELEASE

TERRORISM: POLICE STRIKES MAJOR BLOW TO TERRORISM, NEUTRALIZES ESN TERRORIST KINGPINS, DESTROYS DEADLY CAMPS IN IMO.

As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets.

As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to emplace peace and public safety across the country, police operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command have achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism with the neutralization of three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts. The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)—all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group. Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022. The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination. The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025. The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

25TH JANUARY, 2025.

Renowned Comedian Alibaba’s Spouse Shares Enchanting Snap of Their Trio of Bundles of Joy to Commemorate Their First Year of Life

What a momentous occasion for Alibaba and his loved ones! The commemoration of their triplets’ inaugural birthday is genuinely unforgettable.

The comedian’s better half, Mary’s sentimental post, replete with captivating images and a heartfelt message of appreciation and devotion, undoubtedly elicited immense delight from their admirers and dear ones. The names Aaron, Alexander, and Andrew also exude a beautiful symmetry.

Photo source: Instagram

Ending Russia’s all-out war in Ukraine this year is possible, according to former NATO Secretary-General Jen Stoltenberg. However, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, cautioned that this would only happen on terms acceptable to the Ukrainian people.

The pair spoke during the World Economic Forum in Davos for a special edition of Euronews’ Europe Conversation.

With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost entering its fourth year, attention is turning to the possibility that the war could come to an end in 2025.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Kyiv’s victory plan last year as the key framework for achieving a just and lasting peace.

Andrii Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, told Euronews in Davos that partners and allies must “make the position of Ukraine strong for any potential future negotiations.”

‘Russia is paying a very high price’

“Wars are by nature unpredictable. So I’m very careful to predict exactly what will happen in 2025,” Stoltenberg told Euronews.

“Having said that, it’s absolutely within reach to end this war this year, not least because Russia is paying a very high price,” he added.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he could take Kiyv within days, Ukraine has pushed back. Meanwhile, casualties are staggering, inflation is now officially around 10% in Russia, the national bank’s interest rate is 21%, and there is an urgent lack of workforce, according to Stoltenberg, putting Putin under pressure.

US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House might lead to an American isolationist retreat, forcing Europeans to step up their support for Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Yermak called for “close cooperation and close unity” between Europe and the US and hoped a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump would take place “as soon as possible”.

“The challenge is that the quickest way of ending a war is to lose the war. But that will not bring peace. That will bring occupation of Ukraine. So the challenge is to end the war in the way that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation in Europe,” Stoltenberg added.

Zelenskyy would never compromise “the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine”, Yermak said.

One way to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine is to give solid security guarantees, the strongest of all being Article 5, meaning NATO membership, in Stoltenberg’s views. The second best option would be “to arm Ukrainians to the teeth”.