In a significant development, the Nigeria Police has apprehended Ikechukwu Uba, the purported commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The arrest took place in Emoha Mgbidi, Oru West LGA, Imo State, with three accomplices also taken into custody.
The police’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, conducted a raid on the suspects’ hideout on 16/12/2023 based on actionable intelligence. According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, Uba confessed during interrogation to being a member of the ESN terrorist group, commanding the Mgbidi axis. He admitted to orchestrating attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama, revealing that his funding came from Simon Ekpa based in Finland for executing terrorist activities in the state.
The operation also led to the arrest of HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community, identified as one of the alleged sponsors. During a thorough search at his residence, two locally made revolver long guns, one double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges were discovered.
In a separate incident, operatives from Nekede Divisional Headquarters arrested Sylvester Humble, a suspected kidnapper from Umuoma Nekede. A locally made pistol was recovered from him during the search. Humble, who confessed to being part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Nekekde and Ihiagwa in Imo State, provided valuable information that will aid in apprehending other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged them to maintain the momentum in combating crime. The CP assured the residents of Imo State that enhanced security strategies have been implemented to ensure thorough policing throughout the Yuletide season and beyond. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face legal proceedings upon completion.