The Imo Police Command has announced the successful dismantling of a camp purportedly run by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), located in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area. This development marks a significant achievement in the fight against terrorism in the region.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo Command, ASP Henry Okoye, made this known in a statement released in Owerri, which was made available to journalists on Sunday. Okoye emphasized the importance of this raid as part of the command’s broader efforts to restore peace and stability in Imo State.
According to Okoye, this strategic move was a core part of the ongoing efforts by the police to curb insurgent activities and ensure the safety of the public. The operation, which took place on Saturday, was conducted by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. As a result, 29 suspects were apprehended, including 25 males and four females, who are now in police custody.
The operation was reportedly triggered by the capture of a key suspect, Emmanuel Anukuru, aged 25, on September 15 in Mgbidi, near Owerri. Okoye revealed that Anukuru’s confession played a vital role in leading the police to the camp's exact location, ultimately enabling them to disband the criminal operation.
“The vital information provided by Anukuru was instrumental in guiding police operatives to the site of the camp, leading to its destruction,” Okoye said. He further disclosed that the police recovered several dangerous weapons during the raid, including four pump-action guns, two locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, and three AK-47 magazines.
In addition to the arms seized, Okoye reported that a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, 20 rounds of live cartridges, a white SUV, and locally crafted bulletproof charms, which were allegedly used by the criminal group, were also recovered. These items underscore the level of preparation and armament employed by the suspects.
The PPRO also revealed that N200,000, reportedly extorted from kidnap victims, was found during the operation. This discovery serves as further evidence of the illicit activities being conducted by the group in the area.
“These discoveries highlight the ongoing threat that groups such as IPOB and ESN pose to the peace and security of the state. The police are working tirelessly to mitigate these dangers,” Okoye noted. He also confirmed that investigations are still underway, and efforts are being made to locate and arrest those responsible for manufacturing the locally made firearms used by the group.
Okoye called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He assured residents that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Imo State and beyond.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that this police operation occurred amid heightened tensions in the region. A viral video had recently circulated online, instigating panic across the South-East, where an unidentified person called for a two-day sit-at-home order on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22. The video sparked fears by warning residents to remain indoors for their safety during these days.
The person in the video claimed that the defunct Republic of Biafra was preparing to raise its flag and unveil Armoured Personnel Carriers in all five states of the South-East. He warned that clashes with security forces were likely, potentially leading to widespread unrest in the region.