The Imo State Police Command says a joint task force of police and the Nigeria Army has dislodged the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) camp at Ihite-Owerre in Orlu Local Government Area.

According to a statement on Tuesday in Owerri by the command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, a cache of arms and ammunition belonging to the proscribed group was recovered.

Mr Okoye also said a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed group of the proscribed IPOB, was arrested during the raid on the terrorists’ camp.

He said the raid was carried out on Monday following cases of kidnappings involving a road safety officer, Sabinus Ugwuebu, and the former chairman of Imo traditional rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri.

“Police operatives, in synergy with the military, stormed a suspected terrorist camp at Ihite Owerre, in the Orlu local government area of Imo, on January 8 at about 3:30 a.m. and arrested one suspect, while others escaped with gunshot injuries after a protracted gunfight with the terrorists.

“On searching the camp, one pump action gun, two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, and 54 rounds of live cartridges were recovered.

“Other military uniforms, six motorcycles, a box containing locally made explosives, and the road safety uniforms of the kidnapped officer were recovered,” said Mr Okoye.

He said the investigation was ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations,” Mr Okoye added.

He reiterated the resolve of the state’s commissioner for police, Aboki Danjuma, that the command would continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies towards stamping out all forms of crime and criminality in the state.

(NAN)