Police raid suspected IPOB camp, recover arms in Imo

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The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that operatives of the Imo State Police Command dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN enclave in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, recovering General-Purpose Machine Guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, surveillance drones and other items.

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The Force said the operation was part of its ongoing nationwide campaign to suppress violent extremism and dismantle organised criminal networks.

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According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Okon, the operation was carried out on April 23, 2026, following actionable intelligence obtained from the confessional statement of a suspected high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.”

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Okon stated, “The operation was intelligence-driven, premised on actionable information obtained from the confessional statement of a high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as ‘Ebube Virus.’”

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He disclosed that three suspects were apprehended during the raid and are currently in lawful custody.

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According to him, the suspects are providing investigators with critical information relating to the group’s logistics networks, personnel structure and planned operations.

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The police spokesman further explained that a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two General-Purpose Machine Guns, 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 assault rifle, one pump-action shotgun, several surveillance drones and Biafra currency in different denominations.

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Okon added that the Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and tactical precision in carrying out the operation.

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He said the IGP noted that the recovery of the weapons and ammunition had significantly weakened the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN network in the South-East.

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“The recovery of this substantial arsenal significantly degrades the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN extremist network in the South-East region and represents a decisive blow against their campaign of terror,” the statement added.

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The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of citizens across the country.

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