Police Raid IPOB/ESN Enclave in Imo, Seize Weapons

On April 23, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force executed a raid on an enclave associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nguru Aboh Mbais Local Government Area, Imo State. This operation was characterized as a major breakthrough in the ongoing nationwide campaign against violent extremist organizations.

DCP Anthony Placid stated that the operation was driven by intelligence obtained from confessions made by high-ranking members of the IPOB/ESN, specifically naming Ebub Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as Ebub Viru. During the raid, police recovered two general-purpose machine guns, 115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, an AK-47 assault rifle, a pump-action shotgun, several surveillance drones, and Biafran currency in different denominations.

The Inspector General of Police commended the Imo State Command for their courageous and professional execution of the operation, which significantly weakens the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN network in the Southeast region.