The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Imo State Police Command arrest 25 suspected armed robbers, drug peddlers and cultists allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN)
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
In a bid to crush criminal activities, the Imo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against crime and criminality, leading to improved peace and security across the state in the first month of 2026.
Commissioner of Police (CP), Imo State Command, AIG Aboki Danjuma, made this known at a media a briefing, through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okoye Henry, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Owerri on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Speaking during the briefing, Okoye highlighted the Command’s renewed commitment to proactive policing and public safety of the citizens, maintaining that the achievements followed enhanced security strategies implemented Danjuma, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
He explained that the strategies have strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations across the state, through sustained operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.
Giving details of the Command’s activities for January, he said 25 suspects have been arrested for offences relating to kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug peddling, terrorism, murder, child trafficking, stealing and receiving stolen property allegedly linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
During investigations, operatives recovered four assault rifles, 25 cartridges, two vehicles, three motorcycles, about 1,200kg, being thirty five bags of weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, suspected stolen aluminum roofing sheets and other incriminating exhibits.
Prominent among those arrested are suspected ESN members, identified as Eririogu Chukwuebuka, 28 ‘M’ of Egwuede Atta, Njaba Local Government Area, Ezemonye Orji, 32, ‘M’ of Edda, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Kelechi Michael, aged 28, ‘M’ of Ubowuala, Emekuku, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State and three others.
The suspects are allegedly responsible for the 2021 murders of His Royal Highness Eze Durueburuo E. of Okwudo Autonomous Community and His Royal Highness Eze Sampson Osunwa, Traditional Ruler of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community, both in Njaba Council of Imo State, as well as several other cases of kidnappings and armed robbery.
Items recovered from the suspects were include one AK 47 rifle, three magazines, thirty rounds of live ammunition, one pump action gun, seven cartridges and several charms.
Similarly acting on a tip off, operatives intercepted an ash coloured Ford J5 bus at Nkweshi in Oguta Local Government Area and arrested two drug peddlers who were conveying a large consignment of illicit substances to criminal networks hideout in Eziorsu. About 1,200kg, in 35 five bags of weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa and other prohibited substances were recovered.
The arrest forms part of the Command’s effort to disrupt criminal logistics and curb the spread of hard drugs that fuel violent crimes across the state.
Again, acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested a notorious ESN member, who has been on the Command’s wanted list, 31-year old Ezen Chinonso Ugochukwu at the boundary between Nnebukwu and Orsu Obodo in Oguta Council.
Tentacle learnt that Ugochukwu’s confessions led to the dismantling of an ESN camp at Orsu Obodo, where one AK 47 rifle, one LAR rifle, one pump action gun and 22 rounds of live ammunition were recovered. The suspect also confessed to the murder of unsuspecting victims by his syndicate, including a pastor and a pregnant woman.
While reassuring Imo people of the Command’s sustained resolve to crush criminal networks and ensure safety of the citizens of the state, Danjuma said all suspects and exhibits are currently in police custody for thorough investigation and will be charged to court accordingly, in line with the rule of law.
He further urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and support the Police and other security agencies with timely and actionable information by reporting suspicious activities through the emergency line 0803 477 3600.
