ESN reportedly brings down NAF helicopter in Imo State

Unconfirmed sources have claimed that armed militants of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have shot down a helicopter belonging to the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on aerial operation in Imo State.

The report expressed worries that the Nigerian military comprising the Airforce and Army will heighten its ongoing operation to dismantle the Eastern Security Network in Orlu axis of the state.

The report, published by Ibomfocus, an online media, reads in part:

“Trouble broke out early January when joint security team of the Nigerian Police went in search of ESN in Orlu after ESN sacked foreign Fulani settlers in the forests around Orlu.

“The police went after ESN and got beaten in their own game which resulted in the invasion of Orlu by Nigerian Army since the police-led operation failed.

“The outcome of the invasion resulted in many deaths of innocent civilians and casualty in the side of the military now.

“Since few days ago Orlu has not known peace, citizens and residents of Orlu are on the run because the military has descended on the town shooting and bombing from hovering helicopters.

“A video circulating on social media has children crying uncontrollably and adults wondering what’s actually happening.

“A source made it known that at least one of the helicopters has been disabled by the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”

Meanwhile, a combined military and police operation in search of ESN camps and members was reported in Orlu, Njaba and Orsu Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Residents were alarmed on Thursday when the military stepped up their operations with helicopters hovering over the areas.

Spokesperson of the Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze in Owerri, Babatunde Zubairu, confirmed the deployment of aircraft and other military gadgets.

He said the operation was an offshoot of military intelligence, adding that locals were not being harassed.

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