The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a late-night operation at a hideout in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. The raid also led to the recovery of N10.3 million in cash, believed to have been raised to fund terrorism activities.
The arrest, which took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, around 1:20 a.m., was part of the police’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal elements and maintain peace across the state, especially ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Spokesperson for the Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Henry Okoye, disclosed the operation in a press briefing on Friday in Owerri. According to him, the tactical teams of the Command, working closely with local vigilante groups, acted swiftly based on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN camp located on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe.
“When our operatives arrived, they were met with gunfire from the suspects. A gun battle ensued, but our officers successfully overpowered them and arrested three individuals,” DSP Okoye said.
He gave the ages of the arrested suspects as 21, 31, and 37 years old. However, he added that two other suspects managed to escape into the surrounding bush and are currently being pursued by security operatives.
Among the items recovered at the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action shotguns, 18 live cartridges, several mobile phones, laptops, and the large sum of N10.3 million in cash. Investigations, according to Okoye, revealed that the money was pooled together by members of the proscribed group to finance terror-related activities in the state and beyond.
“This breakthrough is part of the sustained operational momentum by the Imo Police Command to root out criminal elements and restore public safety in the state,” he said.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu who is currently in custody and facing trial in Abuja, has been proscribed by the Nigerian government since 2017. The group’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has been accused by security agencies of carrying out attacks on police formations, government offices, and civilians, particularly in the South-East region.
While IPOB maintains that it is pursuing self-determination for the Igbo people through peaceful means, security authorities allege that the group has splinter factions engaged in violent activities and criminality.
Okoye stated that the latest arrests are expected to yield valuable information that could assist the police in dismantling further IPOB/ESN cells operating within and outside Imo State.
He also used the opportunity to reassure residents of Imo State of their safety as the Easter festivities approach. “We understand the importance of this season, and that is why we have strengthened our security strategies to ensure that people can celebrate without fear,” he said.
According to him, there will be increased patrols, surveillance, and manned checkpoints across major roads and public places. The Command is working hand-in-hand with other security agencies to secure the lives and property of residents during and after the festive period.
DSP Okoye further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or individuals to the nearest police station. He provided a direct emergency line—08034773600—for swift communication with security operatives.
“We count on the support of the public. Security is everyone’s business. By reporting suspicious activities, you are contributing to making Imo a safer place for all,” he said.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns in the South-East region over rising insecurity, often linked to activities of unknown gunmen and self-styled enforcers of sit-at-home orders allegedly imposed by pro-Biafra agitators.
In recent years, there have been several violent incidents across Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, with security operatives, politicians, traditional rulers, and civilians often targeted. The Federal Government and various state governments in the region have been under increasing pressure to find lasting solutions to the violence.
The Imo State Police Command has been carrying out several raids and arrests in recent months, aiming to restore law and order. While some successes have been recorded, security experts believe that more collaboration is needed between the security forces, local communities, and traditional institutions to defeat the menace.
Meanwhile, residents of Okigwe have expressed relief over the latest breakthrough. One local vigilante member who spoke anonymously praised the police for their quick action. “We have been seeing strange movements around that area for some time now, and we are glad the police responded before more damage could be done,” he said.
The arrested suspects are currently being detained by the police and are expected to face charges related to terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and attempted murder, pending the outcome of investigations.
The police have also launched a manhunt for the two fleeing suspects and have called on the community to assist with any information that could lead to their arrest.
