Among the rescued victims were 58 kidnap victims and 42 stolen children — many of whom have now been reunited with their families.
The Imo State Police Command says it has arrested no fewer than 2,785 suspects and rescued over 100 victims in a sweeping crackdown on violent crimes, including kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, alleging that the activities are linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to a statement on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry, the operations — led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma —also led to the recovery of high-powered weapons, explosives, and the disbandment of several criminal camps across the state.
“The Imo State Police Command appreciates the public’s continued support and credible information, which have greatly aided recent operations,” the statement read.
Between January and June 2025, operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical units arrested nearly 3,000 suspects involved in a range of high-profile offences, including armed robbery, cult-related killings, child trafficking, and acts of terror, the police said.
Among the rescued victims were 58 kidnap victims and 42 stolen children — many of whom have now been reunited with their families.
A large cache of weapons was also recovered, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 14 AK-47 rifles, 20 pump-action shotguns, four fabricated rocket launchers, seven gas-cylinder improvised explosive devices (IEDs), locally made hand grenades, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition. Police also said Biafran flags and various charms were seized from criminal enclaves.
The police listed several arrested individuals as top operatives of the separatist IPOB/ESN network, including 38-year-old Amechi Onyebuchi, 39-year-old Ozioma Ihedoro, 50-year-old Cyprian Ikpegbunam, and 30-year-old Uchenna Opara.
“These individuals were reportedly responsible for numerous attacks on security formations and public infrastructure within Njaba Local Government Area,” said Okoye.
A raid on an IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba reportedly led to their arrest. During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the kidnapping and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie on the orders of a fugitive ESN commander simply known as “Asari.”
In a separate incident, police operatives apprehended two suspected kidnappers, Uche Nwachukwu (24) and Chinonso Ozirim (32), for the abduction of one Anayo Iwuoha from his residence in Akabo on June 20, 2025.
“The victim was held captive in Ozirim’s house, where the syndicate extorted ₦2.2 million before a joint operation involving the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilantes led to Mr. Iwuoha’s rescue,” police said. A manhunt is ongoing for other members of the gang still at large.
Also arrested was 36-year-old Wisdom Chinazaekpere Ogbonna, described as a “notorious member” of the Vikings Confraternity. Ogbonna had reportedly been on the run for two years over the brutal killing of a young man known as “Pikin,” who was allegedly mistaken for a rival cultist and stabbed to death.
He was initially arrested for burglary by the Orlu Police Division but was later linked to the murder after further profiling by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
“All arrested suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the police said.
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