OWERRI, NIGERIA – The Imo State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing campaign against violent crime and organised criminal syndicates, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These operations, led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, have reportedly resulted in thousands of arrests, the recovery of a substantial arsenal, and the rescue of over 100 victims.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 19, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer for Imo State Command, Okoye Henry, the police expressed appreciation for public support and credible information, which “have greatly aided recent operations.”
Over the past six months, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other specialised divisions have apprehended a total of 2,785 suspects implicated in serious offences such as kidnapping, terrorism, murder, armed robbery, cultism, and child trafficking. These extensive operations also led to the successful rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.
Police investigations have yielded a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives. Recovered items include two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action guns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder explosives, locally made hand grenades, assorted rounds of live ammunition, cartridges, Biafran flags, and various criminal charms.
Among the high-profile arrests are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30), identified as alleged notorious members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These individuals are reportedly responsible for numerous attacks on security formations and public infrastructure within Njaba Local Government Area. A joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams raided an IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba, leading to their arrest and the recovery of high-grade weapons and explosives. During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the kidnap and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, carried out on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as “Asari”.
In a separate incident, two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32), were apprehended for the abduction of Anayo Iwuoha from his compound in Akabo on June 20, 2025. The syndicate reportedly held the victim at Chinonso Ozirim’s residence and collected a ransom of ₦2.2 million (approximately $1,460 USD) before a joint operation rescued Mr. Iwuoha and led to the arrest of the suspects. A manhunt for their fleeing accomplices is underway.
Additionally, Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a suspected notorious member of the Vikings Confraternity, was recently apprehended. Ogbonna had reportedly been at large for two years following the murder of a young man known as ‘Pikin,’ who was allegedly mistakenly identified as a rival cultist and killed by Ogbonna and three other gang members.
All arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The police command affirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to report any suspicious activity via dedicated hotlines.
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