The Imo State Police Command announced that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended 29 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid on Saturday.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ADP Henry Okoye, the arrests were made when police operatives dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN camp located in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area. Among the 29 suspects arrested were 25 men and four women.
The operation was initiated after the arrest of a key suspect, 25-year-old Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, on September 15, 2024, in Mgbidi. Okoye explained that Emmanuel’s confession led the police to the camp, which they subsequently raided.
During the raid, police recovered a variety of dangerous items, including four pump-action shotguns, two locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, three AK-47 magazines, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and 20 rounds of live ammunition. Authorities also seized a white SUV and bulletproof charms believed to be used by the group. Additionally, over 200,000 naira, allegedly extorted from kidnapping victims, was confiscated.
“These discoveries highlight the ongoing threat posed by these groups in the state,” Okoye stated, noting that the police are continuing their investigation and working to apprehend the manufacturers of the locally made firearms.
He further stressed that the dislodgement of the camp is part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to fight violent crime and restore peace in the state. The Imo State Police Command called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring the public of their commitment to maintaining security and taking decisive action against criminal elements.
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