The Imo State Police Command has revealed that it has arrested over 150 terrorists belonging to the Independent People of Biafra’s Eastern Security Network otherwise known as unknown gunmen, between January and August 2023.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, said the stop and search directive given by the CP has reduced the activities of IPOB/ESN.
He said, “This has been the challenge that we have been facing for over three years now. However, the Imo State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, is doing its best to secure the state. We have improved patrol and security has improved.
“The CP has directed Area Commanders and tactical commanders to deploy men and carry out feasibility policing and stop and search in strategic points in the state, and it has helped in reducing the activities of these IPOB and ESN guys.
“Also, we have our officers at the SID that work with the DSS, and it has helped us in gathering credible information that has helped us in raiding and dismantling several IPOB/ESN camps. Because of this, between January this year and now, we have arrested over 150 IPOB and ESN criminal elements, and also those involved in armed robbery and kidnapping in Imo State.
“Imo State is now safer than before. We have secured Owerri, we’re securing Orlu, and the only places we have problem with now is along Oguta LGA, Okigwe, and these are areas that share boundary with other states.
“Some of these rogues used to come from neighbouring states, unleash mayhem, and go back. But the governor, Hope Uzodinma has given us his support, and we’re working on securing all the entrances into and out of the state, to chase these guys out.”
