The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major operational breakthrough following the dismantling of a suspected terrorist enclave in Imo State as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to curb violent extremism and organised criminal activity.
In a statement Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Anthony Okon Placid said operatives of the Imo State Police Command carried out the intelligence-led operation on 23 April 2026 at a hideout located in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was reportedly based on actionable intelligence derived from the confessional statement of a suspected high-ranking commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus.”
Three suspects were arrested during the raid and are currently in custody, where they are reportedly providing investigators with information on the group’s logistics networks, personnel structure and planned activities.
A search of the enclave led to the recovery of two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, multiple surveillance drones and assorted Biafra currency notes in various denominations.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives for what was described as their courage, professionalism and tactical efficiency in executing the operation.
He noted that the recovery of the cache of arms and equipment represents a significant degradation of the operational capacity of the suspected separatist network in the South-East region.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety across the country.
