The Police in Imo State say operatives of the command rescued 100 victims during different operations across the state.
The command also said it burst the camp of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Okoye Henry.
According to him, the operations were spearheaded by CP Aboki Danjuma.
Okoye days it led to the arrest of thousands of suspects, the recovery of a substantial arsenal, and the rescue of over 100 victims.
“The Imo State Police Command appreciates the public’s continued support and credible information, which have greatly aided recent operations,” Okoye stated.
The command also disclosed that extensive operations resulted in the successful rescue of 58 kidnapped victims and 42 stolen children, many of whom have since been reunited with their jubilant families.
Okoye said in the statement that the high-profile arrests are Amechi Onyebuchi (38), Ozioma Ihedoro (39), Cyprian Ikpegbunam (50), and Uchenna Opara (30), identified as members of the IPOB/ESN. "These individuals were reportedly responsible for numerous attacks on security formations and public infrastructure within Njaba Local Government Area.
"Acting on credible intelligence, a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams raided an IPOB/ESN camp in Njaba, leading to their arrest and the recovery of high-grade weapons and explosives.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the kidnap and murder of one Emmanuel Oguzie, allegedly carried out on the orders of a wanted ESN commander known as “Asari”, the statement claimed.
NATIONAL POST recalls that the leadership of the IPOB had consistently maintained that its members are not involved in criminal activities.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, on several occasions, said the claims by security operatives were made up to paint the group black.