The Imo State Police Command says it has arrested three individuals suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a joint operation that targeted a known hideout allegedly used by the group in Okigwe, Imo State.
According to a statement released on Friday, the operation took place early Thursday morning, April 17, on Cameron Street in the Ubahu area of Okigwe Local Government. Police tactical units, working alongside members of the local vigilante, stormed the location after receiving credible information about suspicious activities linked to separatist operations.
The raid sparked a brief shootout. While two individuals escaped into nearby bush paths, three others were captured at the scene. The arrested suspects have been identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent, 21; Ugwu Ikenna, 31; and Ofor Kasarachi, 37. They are currently in police custody for questioning and further investigation.
During the operation, officers recovered an array of weapons and electronic gadgets. Items displayed at the state police headquarters in Owerri included one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges, several mobile phones, laptops, and a large sum of cash—₦10.3 million in total.
Spokesperson of the command, Henry Okoye, while parading the suspects, said, “The recovered cash, based on preliminary investigations, is believed to have been contributed by IPOB members to finance acts of terrorism.”
Okoye also noted that the police command, led by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, will not relent in its efforts to curb crime and prevent threats to public peace across the state.
He further explained that with the Easter period approaching, security agencies are increasing their presence through intensified patrols and checkpoints across Imo to reassure residents of their safety.
