Arrest Made: Prominent ESN/IPOB Head Detained in Enugu by Police Forces

In a significant development, the Enugu State Police Command has apprehended a notorious member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN). The suspect's name is Onoh Chidera, a 32-year-old individual.

The arrest took place on Saturday following credible intelligence. The operation, led by ACP Odeyeyiwa Olademeji, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of DOPS, unfolded at a black spot in 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo.

The operation to dislodge IPOB/ESN hideouts in Ubaa, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State was also successfully carried out on Aug. 18 at about 1:40 p.m. This operation, which was not in previously mentioned locations, was led by the same ACP Olademeji.

Security forces in Imo state had previously dislodged terrorist hideouts belonging to IPOB members and its armed wing, ESN, in Njaba Local Government Area. During this operation, armed terrorists guarding the camps engaged security operatives in a gun duel before fleeing with multiple gunshot injuries.

The recovered items during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 magazines, 40 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, 60 rounds of live GPMG ammunition, two pump action guns, 582 live cartridges, two Biafra flags, and one POS machine. However, it is important to note that these items do not include arms or ammunition stolen from Ezeagu Police Station, a fact previously mentioned.

Onoh Chidera is among those suspected of being involved in the attack on Ezeagu Police Station earlier in the year. The commander of the ESN units displaced by security forces in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State is Israel Ogbonna. Despite this arrest, no new information was provided about the apprehension of Asari and Spare Key, the IPOB/ESN commanders mentioned earlier.

Discreet investigation has commenced to unravel Onoh Chidera's network and apprehend other collaborators. However, no further information was given about the confessions of Uchenna Opara and Ozioma Ihedoro that led to the operation, nor was any new information provided about discreet investigation or apprehending other collaborators.

This development is a significant step towards maintaining peace and security in the region, and the police continue to urge the public to provide timely and credible information to aid in the fight against terrorism and criminality.