Operatives of the Imo state police command, on Saturday, dislodged camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Oru West Local Government Area, and arrested 29 members.

“The Imo State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit on 19/10/2024 dislodged a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area of the State, leading to D arrest of 29 suspects— 25 males and 4 females—allegedly linked to the proscribed group,” the command’s public relations officer, Okoye Henry, said in a statement on Sunday.

The police said a confession by a suspect nabbed in September helped operatives locate the camp where they recovered dangerous weapons.

“This operation was initiated following the apprehension of a key suspect, Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, ‘m’, 25yrs, on September 15, 2024 in Mgbidi. His vital confessions enabled police operatives to locate and dismantle the camp. 

“During the operation, several dangerous items were recovered, including 4 pump action guns, 2 locally made revolver, five locally made pistols, three AK-47 magazines, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, and 20 rounds of live cartridges, one white SUV and local bulletproof charms used by the criminal syndicate. 

According to the statement, the police said the sum of N200,000 allegedly extorted from kidnapped victims was recovered. 

Stating that investigation is ongoing while efforts are underway to arrest the manufacturers of the guns, the police urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.