By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force(NPF) has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent extremism and organized criminal networks, following the dismantling of the enclave of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and it’s militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Ina statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, operatives of the Imo State Police Command carried out the intelligence-led operation on April 23, 2026, at Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.
The police said the operation followed actionable intelligence obtained from the confessional statement of a suspected high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, popularly known as “Ebube Virus.”
During the raid on the an alleged “IPOB/ESN terrorist enclave” in Imo State,
three suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody, assisting investigators with information on the group’s logistics network, personnel structure, and planned operations.
Security operatives reportedly recovered a cache of weapons and other items from the hideout, including two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, multiple surveillance drones, and Biafra currency in different denominations.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives involved in the mission for what he described as their courage, professionalism, and tactical precision.
The police chief said the seizure of the weapons and equipment had significantly weakened the operational strength of the IPOB/ESN network in the South-East and dealt a major blow to its activities in the region.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians across the country.
