The Nigeria Police reported the arrest of Ikechukwu Uba, the commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network. Uba was apprehended in Emoha Mgbidi, Oru West LGA, Imo State.
The raid resulted in the arrest of Uba and three others
The arrest of Ikechukwu Uba comes against the backdrop of the ongoing tensions and security concerns in the southeastern part of Nigeria. IPOB, a secessionist group seeking the establishment of an independent state for the Igbo people, has been a prominent player in the region’s socio-political landscape. The emergence of the Eastern Security Network, considered the armed wing of IPOB, has added complexity to the security dynamics in the area.
The raid, executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, was a meticulously planned operation aimed at apprehending individuals believed to be involved in activities contrary to the law. The specific details of the raid, including the intelligence leading to the operation and the nature of the suspects’ hideout, have not been fully disclosed at this time. However, the successful execution of the operation resulting in the arrest of Uba and three others is indicative of the police force’s commitment to addressing security challenges and maintaining law and order.
Ikechukwu Uba’s role as the purported commander of the Eastern Security Network underscores the intricate nature of security concerns in the region. The ESN, created by IPOB, has claimed to protect the interests of the Igbo people and counter perceived threats to their well-being. However, the group’s activities have been a subject of controversy and have raised concerns among security forces about the potential implications for regional stability.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in a release following the operation, confirmed the arrest of Ikechukwu Uba and provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the raid. Okoye highlighted the involvement of the command’s anti-kidnapping squad, led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, in conducting the operation. The release, while outlining the success of the raid, did not delve into the specific charges against Uba and the other individuals arrested.
According to a release signed by police spokesperson Henry Okoye, operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, under the leadership of CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, conducted a raid on the suspects’ hideout on December 16, 2023, resulting in the arrest of Uba and three others.
According to the police,” Following diligently gathered actionable intelligence on a deadly IPOB/ESN terrorist commander named Ikechukwu Uba, of Emoha Mgbidi, in Oru West LGA, of Imo State, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa stormed the hideout of the suspects on December 16, 2023, and arrested him and three others.
The statement reads, “On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group, commanding the Mgbidi axis, and stated further that he masterminded the attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama, narrating further that he receives funding from the Finland-based Simon Ekpa to carry out terrorist attacks in the state.
“The suspects provided useful information to the determined operatives that led to the arrest of one of their alleged sponsors, HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo’m’, 51 years old, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community.
“Two locally made revolver long guns, one double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from his house during an intense search. The investigation is in progress, and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of a diligent investigation.”
The arrest of Ikechukwu Uba, purportedly the commander of the Eastern Security Network, represents a noteworthy development in the context of ongoing security concerns and secessionist movements in southeastern Nigeria. The successful raid conducted by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to address complex security challenges. As the legal process unfolds, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and adhere to legal norms, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable peace and addressing the root causes of regional tensions.
