The Nigeria Police have announced the arrest of Ikechukwu Uba, the alleged commander of the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Uba, a resident of Emoha Mgbidi in Oru West LGA, Imo State, was apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the police.
In a statement released by police spokesperson Henry Okoye on Thursday, it was disclosed that the arrest took place on December 16, 2023. The police team, led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, reportedly raided the hideout of the suspects, resulting in the arrest of Ikechukwu Uba and three others.
The police statement read, “Following diligently gathered actionable intelligence on a deadly IPOB/ESN Terrorist Commander named Ikechukwu Uba, of Emoha Mgbidi, in Oru West LGA, of Imo State, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa stormed the hideout of the suspects on 16/12/2023 and arrested him and three others.”
According to the police, Uba confessed during interrogation to being a member of the ESN terrorist group and claimed responsibility for orchestrating attacks on Omuma Police Station, as well as assaults on soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama. He allegedly revealed that he received funding from Simon Ekpa, based in Finland, for carrying out terrorist activities in the state.
The police statement continued, “The suspects provided useful information to the determined operatives that led to the arrest of one of their alleged sponsors, HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community.”
During a search at Agbarambo’s residence, law enforcement discovered two locally made revolver long guns, one double-barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted once a thorough inquiry is completed.
In another development, the Nekede Divisional Headquarters operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper, Sylvester Humble, during an intelligence-led surveillance patrol on December 10, 2023. Humble, a resident of Umuoma Nekede, was found in possession of a locally made pistol. He admitted to being a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Nekekde and Ihiagwa in Imo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged them to sustain the fight against crime. He assured the people of Imo State that enhanced proactive security strategies were in place to ensure safety during and after the Yuletide season.