Posted by Samuel on Sun 04th May, 2025 - tori.ng
Police sources claimed they arrested the suspects during a series of "coordinated raids on criminal hideouts" across the state.
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested at least 32 individuals during an early morning raid across the state, alleging they are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), according to SaharaReporters.
Police sources claimed they arrested the suspects during a series of "coordinated raids on criminal hideouts" across the state.
According to the police, the operation was conducted between 3:10am and 5:30am on May 2, following actionable intelligence linking the suspects to a recent attack on a patrol team from the Mbanabo Division.
The Commissioner of Police for Enugu State deployed the Commander of the Distress Response Squad to lead the operation, which involved personnel from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF), and other tactical teams.
The targeted raid was carried out in several locations including Mmaku, Ugbo Afam, Ugo Nenwe, and Ugbonabo axis of Enugu State.
Among those apprehended were 10 high-profile individuals allegedly involved in previous attacks on the Awgu Police Divisional Headquarters and a patrol team from the Inyi Division.
“Discreet investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement,” the source said, noting that those found culpable would face prosecution.
The Enugu State Police Command said it reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public safety across the region.
The Enugu incident came after human rights organisation, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, (RULAAC) lambasted the police for storming a family home in the dead of night in Abia State, abducting a man and his three daughters, and holding them incommunicado for more than three weeks without explanation.
RULAAC in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the act as a gross abuse of police power and a blatant violation of fundamental human rights.
SaharaReporters reported on Friday that according to Mrs. Chioma Chikadibia, wife of the victim, Mr. Chikadibia Sunday, the disturbing incident occurred at about 11pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, when five armed men invaded their family home in Alaukwu village, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.