The Imo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, terrorism, and armed gangs, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Led by Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, the command’s operations have resulted in the arrest of 2,785 suspects over a six-month period, the recovery of a large cache of weapons and explosives, and the rescue of over 100 victims of kidnapping and child trafficking.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, disclosed these developments in a statement issued on Saturday, noting the critical role played by public support and credible intelligence in the command’s recent successes.
“These operations have significantly disrupted criminal syndicates and restored public confidence across various communities,” Okoye stated.
According to the PPRO, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams arrested suspects linked to serious crimes such as terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, and trafficking. Among the rescued were 58 kidnap victims and 42 stolen children—many of whom have since been reunited with their families.
Weapons recovered during the raids include:
2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs)
14 AK-47 rifles
20 pump-action guns
4 fabricated rocket launchers
7 gas-cylinder explosives
Local hand grenades
Hundreds of live rounds and cartridges
Biafran flags and criminal charms
Among the high-profile arrests were suspected IPOB/ESN members: Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30). These individuals were captured during a raid on an ESN camp in Njaba Local Government Area and reportedly confessed to numerous attacks on security formations and the murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly ordered by a wanted ESN commander known as “Asari.”
In another operation, police apprehended Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32) for the kidnapping of Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20. The suspects collected a ₦2.2 million ransom before a coordinated rescue mission involving local vigilantes led to Iwuoha’s release and the arrest of the kidnappers. A manhunt is underway for their accomplices.
Also in custody is Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36), a wanted member of the Vikings cult group who had been on the run for two years after the gruesome killing of a young man, “Pikin,” in Orlu. Ogbonna, originally arrested for burglary, was linked to the murder through further profiling by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
All suspects are to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via 0813 478 3532 or 0815 802 4755.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to securing lives and property. Together, we will continue to make Imo State safer,” the statement concluded.