Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday arrested a suspected notorious Eastern Security Network, ESN, commander, Sabastine Odo Odam, and Ejike Daniel, an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, during an operation at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Security sources revealed that the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026, all in Isi-Uzo LGA.
“Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and the carting away of weapons. The attacks include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers, and that of five policemen between December 24, 2025, and January 26, 2026.
“The arrests represent a major success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the southeast and country at large,” remarked the source.
Also Read:Â Diplomacy, not war, key to ending DRC crisis, ICG warns
Residents of Isi-Uzo LGA expressed excitement as news of the arrests filtered in. Many noted that the arrests will restore some peace to the affected communities.
Both suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS and awaiting arraignment in court, the source added.
Security sources said preliminary interrogation of the suspects had provided useful information about the structure and operations of the group within parts of the state. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members believed to be connected to the network.
The sources added that security agencies were intensifying surveillance and intelligence operations in surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and dismantle remaining criminal cells in the area.
Meanwhile, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information that could help sustain the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
Security sources further disclosed that items suspected to be linked to the activities of the group were recovered during the operation, while the suspects are assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other accomplices.
The sources added that the arrests were part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for violent attacks and restoring normalcy in affected communities in the Southeast.
They also assured that investigations were continuing and that the suspects would be charged in court once the process was concluded, in line with the law.
