In a decisive security crackdown, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 2,785 criminal suspects between January and June 2025. The state-wide operation culminated in the dismantling of a major Eastern Security Network (ESN) camp in Njaba Local Government Area on July 14, 2025, leading to several high-profile arrests.
Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma said:
“The command has, in the past six months, launched coordinated operations targeting cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, and members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN. These efforts have yielded tangible results — over 2,700 arrests, the rescue of 58 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 42 trafficked children.”
Among those arrested during the July 14 raid were four alleged IPOB/ESN operatives identified as Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30). The suspects, according to police intelligence, reportedly confessed to orchestrating a series of attacks on security formations in the Njaba axis. They also admitted to participating in the kidnap and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly on the orders of a wanted ESN commander simply known as “Asari.”
Commissioner Danjuma explained further:
“The Njaba raid was a coordinated effort involving tactical squads. We stormed the location based on credible intelligence, and it turned out to be a well-fortified ESN hideout. We recovered a large cache of weapons, including 14 AK-47 rifles, GPMGs, rocket launchers, gas cylinder bombs, and locally-made grenades.”
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He added that several IPOB insignias, criminal charms, and logistics materials used for subversive activities were also seized during the operation.
DSP Henry Okoye, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the identity of the suspects and added that investigations were ongoing.
“All the suspects will face the full weight of the law. We urge the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely information. The fight against crime is a collective effort.”
In a related development, police operatives arrested Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32) for allegedly kidnapping Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20, 2025. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦2.2 million. However, the victim was rescued unharmed following a combined operation by the police and local vigilantes.
Also apprehended was Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna (36) of Orlu LGA, a suspected member of the Vikings cult group. He had been on the police wanted list for two years in connection with the stabbing death of a man known as “Pikin”, who was mistakenly targeted as a rival cultist. Ogbonna was initially arrested for burglary, but further investigations linked him to the murder.
Commissioner Danjuma concluded his briefing by assuring residents that the police would continue to strengthen its intelligence-gathering and community policing efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens.
“Imo must be safe.
That’s our commitment, and we will not relent.”
