Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two notorious operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspects, identified as Chukwuebuka Eririogu and Uzoechi Okechukwu, held the positions of commander and sub-commander, respectively.
Speaking at a press conference at the Command Headquarters in Owerri on Friday, Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma revealed that the suspects confessed to executing multiple violent attacks across the state.
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CP Danjuma further disclosed that in the past two months, the command has apprehended 955 individuals linked to crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terrorism associated with IPOB/ESN, child trafficking, murder, theft, and possession of stolen property.
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The Commissioner also stated that the police successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims and seven stolen children, many of whom have been reunited with their families.
Operations by the command have resulted in the recovery of 17 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally fabricated weapons.
Additionally, authorities seized 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 673 live cartridges, nine stolen motorcycles, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), criminal charms, 14 laptops, multiple phones, Biafra currencies, a significant quantity of hard drugs, and counterfeit money.
“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,” CP Danjuma stated.
He added, “In joint operations with sister agencies, terrorist camps in Okigwe, Mbaitoli, and Njaba LGAs were dismantled, further crippling their capacity to launch attacks.”
Highlighting recent operations, the CP explained, “Following 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. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun battle but were overpowered by superior firepower”.
“Sixteen suspects, including sub-commanders Uzoechi Okechukwu and Paschal Igbuogwu, were arrested. Recovered from the camp were two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, 375 rounds of ammunition, IPOB/ESN flags, and charms.”
The CP also noted, “Similarly, on 9th September 2025, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Onye Chukwuebuka Eririogu, was arrested at Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA. During interrogation, he confessed to multiple violent attacks carried out in collaboration with his gang.”
Concluding the briefing, CP Danjuma reassured residents, stating, “As your Commissioner of Police, I want to reassure the good people of Imo State that we remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property.
These achievements reflect our firm commitment to rid Imo of crime and ensure a safe environment for all. We will not relent until our state is fully secured and peaceful.”
