The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have dismantled a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) hideout in Imo State, arresting three suspects during an intelligence-led operation.

Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, said the operation was carried out on 23 April in Nguru community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area following actionable intelligence linked to confessional information from a suspected IPOB/ESN commander identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.”

Placid said the suspects were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody, assisting investigators with information on the group’s logistics network, structure, and planned operations.

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, surveillance drones, and various denominations of Biafra currency.

He added that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for what he described as a professionally executed operation, noting that the recovery of the weapons and ammunition had significantly weakened the group’s operational capacity in the South-East.

Disu also said the operation amounted to a major blow to the group’s activities in the region.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.

IPOB, which is seeking the secession of Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South, has been accused by authorities of involvement in violent attacks in the region, allegations the group has repeatedly denied.