The police command in Imo state says it has arrested 16 suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), for “terrorising” Oguta, Njaba, and Mbaitoli LGAs.
ESN is the militia arm of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Aboki Danjuma, the Imo police commissioner, said security operatives stormed the camp of IPOB/ESN in Oguta LGA on Tuesday.
Danjuma said during the operation, the “terrorists” shot at the security operatives, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
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The police commissioner said the security operatives arrested 16 suspects, including ESN “sub-commanders” identified as Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu.
“On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower,” the statement reads.
“Sixteen suspects, including their sub-commanders, Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested.
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“Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms.
“Similarly, on 9th September 2025, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, was arrested at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA.
“During interrogation, he confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out in collaboration with his gang.”
The police commissioner said the command arrested 789 suspected criminals for kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism in the past two months.
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He said the command rescued nine kidnap victims and seven children in the past two months.
