The Imo State Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following a raid on a terror hideout in Okigwe Local Government Area.
Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of critical items during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Owerri on Friday.
“The successful raid marks a notable step in the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and address security concerns in Okigwe LGA and the wider Imo State,” Okoye said.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, was conducted by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilante groups, based on credible intelligence.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects were arrested, namely: Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31), and Ofor Kasarachi (37), while two others escaped into the surrounding bushes,” Okoye explained.
The raid also led to the seizure of significant weapons and materials allegedly linked to terrorist activities.
“Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action shotguns, 18 live cartridges, mobile phones, laptops, and N10.3 million in cash,” Okoye confirmed.
“The recovered cash, based on preliminary investigations, is believed to have been contributed by IPOB members to finance acts of terrorism.”
Okoye reiterated the commitment of the Imo State Police under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, to continuing the crackdown on criminal elements that threaten public safety in the state.
“The command remains committed to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements threatening public safety in Imo State,” Okoye concluded.
