By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two top commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The suspects, identified as Chukwuebuka Eririogu and Uzoechi Okechukwu, were apprehended for their alleged involvement in multiple violent attacks across the state.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Owerri on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, said the arrests were part of a broader crackdown on criminal elements operating in the state.

In the last two months, the police have arrested a total of 955 suspects for various crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, stealing, and receiving stolen property.

According to CP Danjuma, ?One of the key breakthroughs was the arrest of notorious IPOB/ESN terrorists found with arms, ammunition, incriminating materials and financial records. Investigations also led to the apprehension of some of their sponsors and financiers, drastically reducing their nefarious activities and cutting off vital funding channels.?

He added that nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued during the operations, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.

The commissioner further disclosed that the following items were recovered during the operations:

17 firearms (including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally made weapons)

72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 673 live cartridges

Nine stolen motorcycles

Several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

14 laptops, numerous mobile phones, charms, Biafran currencies, counterfeit money, and a large quantity of hard drugs

He highlighted collaborative efforts with other security agencies, noting that ?In joint operations with sister agencies, terrorist camps in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs were dismantled, further crippling their capacity to launch attacks.?

CP Danjuma continued: ?Following the ongoing Joint Security Operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli LGAs targeting IPOB/ESN hideouts, some fleeing terrorists relocated to Agwa. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, in synergy with other security agencies on 16th September 2025, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA.?

?On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower. Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested. Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms.?

In a separate operation on 9th September 2025, police arrested another notorious ESN figure, Onye Chukwuebuka Eririogu, in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA.

?During interrogation, he confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out in collaboration with his gang,? the CP revealed.

Reassuring residents of the state, CP Danjuma said, ?As your Commissioner of Police, I want to reassure the good people of Imo State that we remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property. These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful.?

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