Police Destroy IPOB, ESN Camp, Recover Arms, Drones In Imo

Deborah Ndifon 

The Nigeria Police Force says it has dismantled an alleged operational enclave linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid in Imo State.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placide, the intelligence-led operation was carried out on April 23, 2026, in Nguru community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the operation followed actionable intelligence obtained from the confessional statement of a suspected senior IPOB/ESN commander identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.”

During the raid, operatives of the Imo State Police Command reportedly arrested three suspects who are now in custody and assisting investigators with information on the group’s alleged logistics structure, personnel network, and planned operations.

The police further disclosed that a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, several surveillance drones, and Biafran currency in different denominations.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism, bravery, and tactical execution during the operation.

The police chief said the seizure of the weapons and equipment had significantly weakened the operational capability of the alleged IPOB/ESN network in the South-East.

“The recovery of this substantial arsenal represents a decisive blow against violent extremist activities in the region,” the statement said.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order across the country and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

IPOB has been proscribed by the Nigerian government as a terrorist organisation, although the group has consistently denied involvement in violent attacks attributed to it in parts of the South-East.