The Imo State Police Command has apprehended a 37-year-old native doctor, Ozioma Ihedoro, who allegedly confessed to serving as the spiritual adviser to a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), known as “B44.” During his arrest, police operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and seven live rounds from his shrine.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this development on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the police to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
According to DSP Okoye, a total of 147 suspects have been arrested in recent weeks for a range of serious offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, theft, receiving stolen property, child trafficking, and terrorism.
Among the items recovered from these suspects were: Seven AK-47 rifles; Three AK-47 magazines; Seven pump-action shotguns; Seven locally made long guns; 178 live cartridges; Three motorcycles; Various denominations of Biafra currency; Four Biafra flags; Several charms believed to be used for criminal purposes
Okoye explained that these arrests and recoveries were the result of intensified operations carried out over the past two months. He credited the success to the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who has spearheaded coordinated intelligence-driven efforts to restore peace and security across the state.
“In the course of these operations, five armed suspects were neutralized during gunfights with operatives, while seven kidnapped victims were safely rescued,” Okoye noted.
A significant breakthrough occurred on May 20, 2025, around 4:00 p.m. in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area. Anti-Kidnapping operatives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Ozioma Ihedoro, who had been on the police command’s wanted list. His confession has already yielded valuable intelligence, and investigations are ongoing to uncover and dismantle additional criminal cells.
In a separate operation on May 19, 2025, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, working in conjunction with personnel from the Njaba Division, arrested three suspected armed robbers: Chinonso Anayo (a.k.a. Pablo, 24), Emmanuel John (21), and Ifeanyi John (20), all from Isiagu in Ebonyi State. The trio, apprehended during a targeted surveillance mission, confessed to multiple robbery operations. Police recovered one Q-Link motorcycle, two pump-action guns, and fifteen live cartridges during the raid.
Meanwhile, CP Aboki Danjuma has commended the operatives for their dedication and bravery. He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of residents, in collaboration with other security agencies. Danjuma also assured the public that security measures across the state have been fortified to eliminate kidnapping and violent crimes.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the emergency hotline: 0803 477 3600.