TheCable

The Imo state police command says it has arrested a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network, an outfit of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Micheal Abattam, spokesman of the state police command, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the suspect, identified as Obumneke Gabriel, was arrested at Amaraku in Isiala Mbano LGA of the state on Monday.

Abattam said during a body search of the suspect, the police recovered a locally made double barrel pistol loaded with ten rounds of live cartridges and two expended cartridges.

“Following information received that some of the remnants of the IPOB/ESN terror groups, after the decimation of their camps, are seen roving about and robbing innocent people on the road around Umueli Amaraku in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State,” the statement reads.

“The Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Command’s Operation Search and Flush teams to embark on a vigorous and results-oriented stop and search operation within the area.

“On 26/7/2021 at about 1830 hours, a team of Operation Search and Flush operatives comprising of Police and NDLEA arrested one Obumneke Gabriel “M” of Umueli Amaraku in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State. When he was searched, a locally made double barrel pistol loaded with ten (10) rounds of live cartridges and two expended cartridges were recovered from him to the station.”

The police spokesman said during interrogation, “the suspect confessed to being a member of the proscribed IPOB/ESN terror group and has volunteered useful information that will lead to the arrest of his other members”.

He added that investigation is ongoing and the command is “working tirelessly to neutralise all terror groups in the state”.

Abattam said Abutu Yaro, the commissioner of police in Imo, commended the efforts of the officers in the fight against terror.

“He also commended the residents and citizens of the state for their worthy synergy with the police, especially in the provision of credible information that has enabled smart policing and interception of criminal elements, and warned that all criminals should relocate from the state forthwith or face dire consequences,” the statement added.

In 2017, the federal high court in Abuja declared the activities of IPOB as acts of terrorism.

Nnamdi Kanu, founder of IPOB, is currently facing charges bordering on treasonable felony brought against him by the federal government over his campaign for a “Republic of Biafra”