Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A confession by an alleged senior member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has led police operatives to a suspected militant hideout in Imo State where weapons, ammunition and surveillance equipment were recovered.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said operatives raided the location on April 23 as part of ongoing security operations against separatist-linked armed groups and organised criminal networks.
The Nigeria Police Force said the operation targeted an enclave in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, following intelligence gathered from Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, popularly known as “Ebube Virus,” who investigators described as a high-ranking commander within the group.
According to the police, officers recovered two General-Purpose Machine Guns, more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, surveillance drones and Biafra currency of different denominations during the search.
Three suspects were also arrested at the scene and are currently being interrogated over alleged links to the group’s activities in the South-East.
The police said intelligence obtained from the suspects was helping investigators uncover details about the network’s operational structure, movement patterns and logistics channels.
Authorities described the recovery as a major setback for the armed group’s operations in the region.
“The recovery of this substantial arsenal significantly degrades the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN extremist network in the South-East region, and represents a decisive blow against their campaign of terror,” the Inspector-General of Police said while commending operatives involved in the mission.
The latest operation comes amid intensified security efforts across parts of the South-East where security agencies have continued raids targeting armed groups blamed for attacks on security formations and violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal cells and improving security across the country.
