The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of nine (9) members of outlawed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) in different operations in the state.
Police also revealed that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, conducted coordinated operations targeting notorious criminal elements in Ahiazu Mbaise and Njaba Local government areas.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, Henry Okoye said during a targeted operation at Eke Eziama in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA on May 31, one John Bosco Onuocha, aged 34, of Ihiteaforukwu, Ahiazu Mbaise, and his cohorts opened fire on the operatives.
“In the ensuing gunfight, Onuocha sustained a leg injury before he was apprehended while others escaped to the adjoining bushes.
“He is linked to multiple violent attacks that have claimed the lives of security personnel and traditional leaders in the Mbaise axis” Okoye said.
He listed items recovered at the scene to include 1 GPMG gun, 2 chain magazines loaded with 200 rounds of live ammunition, 1 AK-47 rifle without a breach number, 56 rounds of live ammunition, and 4 magazines.
The PPRO said the suspect confessed to playing a prominent role in numerous terrorist attacks across Imo State.
“He further revealed that the automatic rifles were supplied by a notorious commander of the ESN terrorist group, known as B44, with the intent of reactivating their terrorist camp,” he said.
Okoye added that Onuocha has been taken to a medical facility in Owerri, the state capital for treatment.
In a separate but related operation in Njaba, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended three notorious members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ozioma Ihedoro, a.k.a. Mazi Oz; Uchenna Opara, a.k.a. Nta-Nta Mmiri and Amaefule Emeka a.k.a. Odopu.
Okoye said Emeka confessed to his involvement in the 2021 attack on the Federal Correctional Centre during interrogation.
He gave the items recovered from the suspects to include 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 pump-action guns, 5 live cartridges, Biafra insignias, and various criminal charms.
“Furthermore, five accomplices — Cynthia, Ikewgbado Kennedy, Amaefule Chukwuamare Emmanuel, Eke Anayo, and Eke Chukwudi were apprehended in Njaba LGA following the confessions of the previously arrested suspects.
“This operation underscores the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to enhancing peace and security and dismantling criminal networks in the State,” Okoye said.
The Command urged the public to continue supporting ongoing efforts to secure the communities by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency line: 0803 477 3600.
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