The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two notorious leaders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra’s armed wing, Eastern Security Network, identified as Chukwuebuka Eririogu and Uzoechi Okechukwu, along with 955 other suspects linked to crimes across the state.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma confirmed the arrests and revealed that the suspects admitted to their involvement in several violent attacks across Imo State.
Danjuma further explained that within the last two months, the command had taken 955 additional suspects into custody for crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism associated with IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, theft, and dealing in stolen property.
He further availed that a total of nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children were rescued, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.
The CP added “that operations also led to the recovery of 17 firearms, including AK-47s, pump guns, and locally fabricated guns; 72 7.62mm ammunitions and 673 live cartridges; nine stolen motorcycles; criminal charms; several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); 14 laptops; several phones; Biafra currencies; a large quantity of hard drugs; and counterfeit currency.”
Major breakthrough in Imo security operations
The Imo Police boss while giving updates, further revealed that, “One of the key breakthroughs was the arrest of notorious IPOB/ESN terrorists found with arms, ammunition, incriminating materials, and financial records. Investigations also led to the apprehension of some of their sponsors and financiers, drastically reducing their nefarious activities and cutting off vital funding channels.
“In joint operations with sister agencies, terrorist camps in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs were dismantled, further crippling their capacity to launch attacks.”
He continued, “Following the ongoing Joint Security Operations in Njaba and Mbaitoli LGAs targeting IPOB/ESN hideouts, some fleeing terrorists relocated to Agwa. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the Special Intervention Squad, led by CSP Gboyako Shaba Adamu, in synergy with other security agencies on 16th September 2025, stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Obudi Agwa in Oguta LGA.”
CP also said the suspects engaged operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered, leading to the arrest of 16 persons, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu. He noted that arms, ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms were recovered, while another kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eririogu, was arrested in Mbaitoli LGA and confessed to several violent attacks.
He further assured residents of Imo State that the command remains committed to tackling crime, stressing that the breakthroughs show their resolve to restore peace and security across the state.
