The Imo State Police has announced the arrest of Ikechukwu Uba, alleged commander of the Eastern Security Network, the armed affiliate of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Uba, a resident of Emoha Mgbidi in Oru West LGA, was apprehended along with three others during a raid by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad led by CSP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa on 16/12/2023.
According to a release by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, Uba confessed to being a member of the Eastern Security Network, responsible for commanding the Mgbidi axis and orchestrating attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama. He further revealed that he received funding for terrorist activities from Simon Ekpa, based in Finland.
The police also disclosed the arrest of HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community, who was alleged to be one of the sponsors of the suspects. The raid yielded two locally made revolver long guns, a double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges from his residence.
In a separate development, the Nekede Divisional Headquarters operatives nabbed Sylvester Humble, a suspected kidnapper, and recovered a locally made pistol from him. Humble admitted to being part 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 maintain vigilance in combating crime in the state. The CP assured the public of enhanced security measures during and after the Yuletide season.
