Police Arrest 16 Suspected ESN Members in Imo, Recover Arms

Police in Imo State have arrested 16 suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The suspects were picked up after security operatives raided a camp in Oguta Local Government Area earlier this week.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma said the operation took place on Tuesday when security personnel stormed the camp. He explained that the suspects opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle. The officers overpowered the group and arrested 16 people, including two alleged sub-commanders identified as Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu.

Items recovered from the camp included two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, ESN flags, and charms.

Danjuma also disclosed that on September 9, police apprehended a notorious figure, Onye Chukwuebuka Eriiriogu, in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA. He reportedly confessed to carrying out multiple violent attacks with his gang.

The police commissioner further stated that in the past two months, the command arrested 789 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. Within the same period, officers rescued nine kidnap victims and seven children.