Police dismantle alleged IPOB camp, arrest 29 suspects

The Imo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected camp operated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), located in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area.

The operation, led by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, was part of the police’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and restore public safety in the state. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, made the disclosure in a statement released in Owerri on Sunday.

Okoye revealed that the raid, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals, including 25 males and four females. This breakthrough followed the earlier arrest of Emmanuel Anukuru, a 25-year-old suspect, on September 15 in Mgbidi, near Owerri. His confession reportedly led the police to the camp’s location.

“Based on his crucial confessions, police operatives were able to locate and dismantle the camp,” Okoye said.

During the operation, the police recovered a cache of dangerous weapons, including four pump-action guns, two locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, and three AK-47 magazines. Additional items seized included a POS machine, 20 rounds of live cartridges, a white SUV, and local bulletproof charms allegedly used by the group.

Furthermore, police recovered N200,000, which was believed to have been extorted from kidnap victims.

“These findings highlight the ongoing threat posed by such groups in Imo State,” Okoye noted, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend the manufacturers of the locally made firearms.

He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining public safety and urged them to report any suspicious activities in their communities.

The police operation comes in the wake of a viral video that has caused panic across the South-East. The video, recorded by an unidentified individual, urged residents of the region to observe a two-day sit-at-home order on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22.

In the video, the individual claimed that the defunct Republic of Biafra would be raising its flag and launching Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) across the five southeastern states during the two days. The man warned residents to remain indoors, predicting violent clashes between security forces and Biafran loyalists.

The Imo State Police Command remains on high alert and has vowed to counter any attempts to disrupt public order in the region.