The police in Imo State have reported that they have demolished a camp in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area, that was purportedly run by the Eastern Security Network, the militant branch of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This was revealed by Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye in a statement released in Owerri and provided to the media on Sunday.
The operation was part of the command’s continuous efforts to “curb terrorism” and guarantee public safety in the state, according to Mr. Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police.
He claimed that 29 suspects—25 men and 4 women—were also taken into custody as a result of the operation, which was conducted on Saturday by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
He said that the action came after Emmanuel Anukuru, a suspect, was apprehended at Mgbidi, close to Owerri, on September 15.
Police officers were able to find and demolish the camp thanks to his crucial confessions.
“Several dangerous items were recovered during the operation, including three AK-47 magazines, two locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, and four pump action guns,” Mr Okoye stated.
According to him, the police also found a white SUV, 20 rounds of live ammunition, point-of-sale equipment, and charms that were utilised by the criminal ring.
Mr Okoye added that N200,000 that had purportedly been ransomed from victims of kidnapping had been found.
“These findings underscore the persistent threat posed by these groups in the state.
“Investigation is ongoing, (while) efforts are in progress to apprehend the manufacturers of the locally made guns,” he said.
The spokesman asked locals to be on the lookout and notify the authorities of any unusual activity. He reaffirmed to the locals the command’s dedication to public safety.
The command’s onslaught came after a two-day sit-at-home order in the southeast that was announced by an anonymous individual via a widely shared video, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The video, which has sparked widespread concern, shows a man cautioning locals to stay inside on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, for their “own safety.”
According to the narrator in the video, on those two days, the former Republic of Biafra will fly its flag and deploy armoured personnel carriers throughout the region’s five states.
According to him, security organisations would probably try to counter the move, which may result in mayhem in the region.