The Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful dismantling of an enclave belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo State, recovering a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and surveillance drones.
Major Operational Success
In what it described as a major operational success in the ongoing nationwide campaign to suppress violent extremism and dismantle organized criminal networks, the police said the feat was achieved on 23 April 2026. Operatives of the Imo State Police Command conducted an operation at a confirmed terrorist hideout in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
In a statement by the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the operation was intelligence-driven, based on actionable information obtained from the confessional statement of a high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.” According to the police, three suspects were apprehended at the scene and are currently in lawful custody, providing critical information on the group’s logistics networks, personnel structure, and planned operations.
Recovered Items
A thorough search of the enclave led to the recovery of two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 assault rifle, one pump-action shotgun, multiple units of surveillance drones, and Biafra currency in various denominations.
IGP Commends Operatives
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their courage, professional conduct, and tactical precision in executing the operation. The IGP noted that 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 Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its mandate to uphold the rule of law and guarantee the safety of every Nigerian citizen.
