The Imo State Police Command has disclosed details surrounding the arrest of suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), who were allegedly involved in the killing of a traditional ruler, a party ward chairman, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ahiazu Mbaise, and an Inspector of Police in the state.
Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, revealed during a parade and exhibits recovery session on Saturday that the suspects had been causing terror in the Mbaise axis, disrupting the peace of the residents.
In response to the escalating violence, Danjuma convened a meeting with inter-agency security chiefs in the state to strategize on collaborative operational efforts to bring the assailants to justice. He directed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to work in synergy with other security agencies in tracking down the criminals responsible for the attacks.
The Commissioner reported that 25 male suspects were apprehended for various criminal activities, including IPOB/ESN terrorism, armed robbery, murder, stealing, receiving stolen properties, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Some of the suspects were neutralized in a gun battle with the police.
The results of the operation included the recovery of 20 assault rifles, including 5 AK-47 rifles, 6 pump-action guns, 9 locally made pistols, one Barrera pistol, and a total of 359 rounds of various calibers of ammunition. Other seized items included six vehicles, charms, IPOB/ESN vests/insignia, military camouflage, Biafra currency, police vests, and various incriminating items.
Danjuma provided insights into specific cases, mentioning the murder of the DPO Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police. The police successfully stormed the camp of the criminal syndicate at Umuohie in Ngor Okpala LGA, dislodging the terrorists and recovering two automatic pump-action rifles and six rounds of live cartridges.
The CP mentioned an ongoing intense manhunt to track down other fleeing suspects, emphasizing that they would be arraigned in court upon completing a comprehensive investigation.
Danjuma also commended the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, for his support in the fight against crime and acknowledged the efforts of the officers involved in the operation, along with the collaboration of sister security agencies.