The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing operations against violent criminal groups and extremist networks across the country following the discovery and dismantling of a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Imo State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on May 10, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
According to the statement, operatives of the Imo State Police Command carried out the operation on April 23, 2026, at a terrorist enclave located in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
Police said the raid was intelligence-led and followed credible information obtained from the confessional statement of a senior IPOB/ESN commander identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, popularly known as “Ebube Virus.”
During the operation, three suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in police custody assisting investigators with information concerning the group’s operations, logistics network, membership structure, and future plans.
Security operatives also recovered a large cache of weapons and other items from the hideout, including two General-Purpose Machine Guns, 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, several surveillance drones, as well as Biafra currency in different denominations.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives involved in the operation for what he described as their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.
The IGP stated that the recovery of the weapons and ammunition had significantly weakened the operational strength of the IPOB/ESN network in the South-East and dealt a major blow to its activities in the region.
The Nigeria Police Force also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining efforts aimed at tackling violent extremism and criminality across the country.