Anambra: Security forces capture notorious ESN gunmen, Small, Schoolboy, Pepper, others, destroy Achalla camp

By Michael Ortega 

In a significant blow to insurgent activities in the region, a joint security operation under the “Udogachi” command has successfully raided and dismantled a camp belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operation, which took place recently, led to the capture of a notorious gang leader identified as “Small,” who was said to be from Ebonyi State. Several of his fighters including “Schoolboy” and “Pepper”, were also nabbed during the operation.

According to sources from the operation, a cache of weapons and other incriminating materials was recovered from the camp. These items included firearms and various charms, underscoring the operational capacity of the neutralized cell.

A key revelation from the operation is the origin of the captured insurgents. Intelligence reports indicate that the majority of the fighters were not indigenes of Anambra State but were from neighbouring Ebonyi and Enugu states, highlighting the cross-border nature of the security challenges in the South-East.

The successful raid in Achalla is seen as a major victory for the Udogachi security outfit, an initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

The operation demonstrates the government’s intensified efforts to combat insecurity, suppress the activities of the ESN, and dismantle criminal elements terrorizing communities within the state.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and continue to conduct clearance operations to ensure no remnants of the group remain at large.