Imo Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout, Arrest 18 Suspects, Recover Arms
The Imo State Police Command has arrested 18 suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), including both male and female accomplices, and recovered arms, ammunition, and other exhibits during operations in Oguta Local Government Area.
The arrests followed the sustained dislodgement of terrorist hideouts in Umuaka, Njaba LGA, and Ezioha, Mbaitoli LGA, on September 17, which forced several fleeing kingpins into hiding in Agwa, Oguta LGA.
According to security sources, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced the suspects to Obudi and Ubah communities in Agwa, where 18 individuals were apprehended.
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The suspects were identified as: Okeabia Onyiyechi, 38; Ndukwe Ebube, 19; Mmadubueze Promise, 20; Raphael Echefu, 19; Ibaku Chigemezu, 19; Chika Augustine, 22; Ibuku Pascal, 22; Mbojisochukwu Odueze, 18; Obioma Emenyionu, 21; Christopher Ugonna, 28; Ozioma Onwatugws, 17; Mathew Chibuenyi, 16; Orusakwe Favour, 19; Uzochi Nkiruka, 45; Uzochi Adaeze, 20; Akubuome Chialuka, 20; Ibuaku Caroline, 50; and Godwin Okechukwu Uzochi, 22. All suspects hail from Oguta LGA and surrounding areas.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, one pump-action shotgun, 90 rounds of live cartridges, two Biafra flags, and various charms.
Two of the suspects reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the raid and are currently receiving treatment at the Police Clinic.
Security sources further disclosed that some of the arrested individuals confessed to participating in multiple killings across the state, while others were positively identified in viral videos alongside notorious ESN commanders.
“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing terrorist kingpins, many of whom escaped with gunshot wounds during the encounter,” the sources said.
By PRNigeria
