By Ella Michaels
The Imo State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit has successfully conducted coordinated operations targeting notorious criminal elements in Ahiazu Mbaise and Njaba Local Government Areas. The operations, which were carried out on May 31, 2025, resulted in the arrest of several gunmen and their accomplices, including members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
*The Operation*
According to a press release issued by the Imo State Police Command, the operatives acted on credible intelligence and successfully burst an IPOB/ESN camp in Ahiazu Mbaise, where they apprehended John Bosco Onuocha, aged 34, of Ihiteaforukwu, Ahiazu Mbaise. Onuocha, who sustained a leg injury during the operation, is linked to multiple violent attacks that have claimed the lives of security personnel and traditional leaders in the Mbaise axis.
*Recoveries*
Items recovered at the scene included one GPMG gun, two chain magazines loaded with two hundred rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle without a breach number, fifty-six rounds of live ammunition, and four magazines. The suspect confessed to playing a prominent role in numerous terrorist attacks across Imo State and revealed that the automatic rifles were supplied by a notorious commander of the ESN terrorist group, known as B44, with the intent of reactivating their terrorist camp.
*Arrests*
In a separate but related operation in Njaba, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended three notorious members of the proscribed ESN, identified as Ozioma Ihedoro (aka Mazi Oz), Uchenna Opara (aka Nta-Nta Mmiri), and Amaefule Emeka (aka Odopu). During interrogation, Emeka confessed to his involvement in the 2021 attack on the Federal Correctional Centre. Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, Biafra insignias, and various criminal charms.
*Further Arrests*
Following the confessions of the previously arrested suspects, five accomplices—Ugwuegbu Cynthia, Ikewgbado Kennedy, Amaefule Chukwuamare Emmanuel, Eke Anayo, and Eke Chukwudi—were apprehended in Njaba LGA. These arrests bring to a total of eight suspects arrested in connection with the operations.
*Commitment to Security*
The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to enhancing peace and security and dismantling criminal networks in the State. The Command urges Imolites to continue supporting ongoing efforts to secure their communities by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command's emergency line: 0803 477 3600.
*Conclusion*
The successful operations by the Imo State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit are a significant blow to the IPOB/ESN terrorist group and other criminal elements in the State. The Command's commitment to security and its efforts to dismantle criminal networks are commendable, and it is hoped that these operations will lead to a safer and more secure environment for the people of Imo State.
