The Imo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected terrorist believed to be associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network, IPOB/ESN, identified as Chidebere Nwuzor.
On Monday, the statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed that the suspect hails from Amauzu in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
The 38-year-old man has reportedly been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in various terrorist activities carried out in the state alongside his criminal associates.
Okoye, in the release, stressed that the suspect was arrested at his criminal hideout in Umuogi after fierce gunfire with police operatives.
He listed among other dangerous items recovered from him to include one pump action gun with six rounds of live cartridges, one Berretta pistol loaded with 2 rounds of live ammunition, and other incriminating items.
“Following a diligently gathered actionable intelligence by Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit which led to the arrest of a suspected IPOB/ESN Terrorist, Chidebere Nwuzor, ‘m’, 38yrs, of Amauzu in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
“The suspected terrorist has been on the Command’s wanted list due to a series of terrorist activities he reputedly perpetrated in the State alongside his criminal cohorts.
“He was arrested on 8/04/2024, in his criminal hideout in Umuogu after a fierce gunfight with the ever-gallant operatives, which forced him to surrender after sustaining gunshot injuries on his right leg.
“Recovered from the suspect includes; one pump action gun with six rounds of live cartridges, one Barreta Pistol loaded with 2 rounds of live ammunition, and other incriminating items.
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“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a deadly IPOB/ESN syndicate responsible for enforcing unlawfully imposed sit-at-home orders by the outlaw group and unleashing mayhem on unsuspecting citizens in the State,” Okoye said.
He stated that the suspect was recruited into the deadly group by Ebube Virus and Ishaka, who were earlier neutralised by the operatives in December 2023.
The suspect also admitted that he drove the operation vehicle that was used in the attack that led to the killing of DPO Ahaizu Mbaise, an Inspector of Police in November 2023.
Okoye added that the suspect was currently assisting the operatives in the investigation, has provided useful information that will lead to the arrest of other suspects at large and will certainly be made to face the full weight of the law upon completion of a thorough investigation.
“This operational feat amongst many others underscores the Command’s unalloyed determination to put an end to all forms of violent crimes in the State,” a police spokesman noted.
While commending the operatives for their gallantry display in achieving the operational breakthrough, the Commission of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma assures the people that the Command will not relent in its unwavering commitment to clamp down on criminally minded elements.
