Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout in Imo, Recover Heavy Weapons, Surveillance Drones

Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout in Imo, Recover Heavy Weapons, Surveillance Drones

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing nationwide operations against violent extremism and organised criminal networks following a successful raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Imo State.

According to the Force, operatives of the Imo State Police Command carried out the intelligence-led operation on April 23, 2026, at a confirmed hideout located in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

Police authorities disclosed that the operation was based on actionable intelligence obtained from the confessional statement of a suspected high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam.

During the operation, three suspects were arrested at the location and are currently in police custody, assisting investigators with information relating to the group’s logistics network, personnel structure, and planned operations.

A search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, multiple surveillance drones, and Biafra currency in different denominations.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the operatives for what he described as their courage, professionalism, and tactical precision during the operation.

The IGP noted that the recovery of the weapons and equipment represents a major setback for the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN network in the South-East region.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent extremism, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens across the country.

The statement was signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout in Imo, Recover Heavy Weapons, Surveillance Drones