On Saturday, operatives from the Imo State Police Command dismantled camps associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Oru West Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of 29 individuals.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, reported that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit conducted the operation on October 19, 2024, targeting a suspected IPOB/Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist camp in Nempi. Among those apprehended were 25 males and 4 females believed to have ties to the banned organization.
The police noted that the successful operation stemmed from critical information obtained from a suspect arrested in September. The individual, identified as Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, 25, was taken into custody on September 15, 2024, in Mgbidi. His confessions were instrumental in guiding police to the location of the camp.
During the operation, authorities recovered an array of dangerous weapons, including four pump-action guns, two homemade revolvers, five locally crafted pistols, three AK-47 magazines, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and 20 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, police seized a white SUV and local bulletproof charms allegedly used by the criminal group.
The statement further revealed that the police recovered N200,000, which was reportedly extorted from victims of kidnapping.
Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement is actively working to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for manufacturing the seized firearms. The police have urged community members to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to help maintain safety in the area.
