The Anambra State Police Command has raided and dismantled a militia camp reportedly operated by members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The camp, located in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, was dislodged during the operation.
During the raid that lasted over five years, the police-led joint security force comprising troops from the 302 Artillery Regiment, Department of State Services, and Anambra State Vigilant, successfully dislodged the militia members, while their camp was destroyed and several Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered from the scene.
This was disclosed in a press statement released on Thursday by the Spokesman of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, adding that the operation was carried out in the early hours of September 2.
Ikenga said the area has since been stabilised and remains calm as monitoring and efforts are ongoing to arrest some of the secessionists who fled the scene.
The Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra camp were destroyed by the police. | Credit: Ikenna Obianeri.
The statement read, “Anambra Police-led Joint Security Force, Aguata, comprising troops from the 302 Artillery Regiment, 14 Field Engineer Regiment, operatives of the Department of State Services, and Anambra State Vigilante (Agunechemba) in the early hours of September 2, 2025, carried out a coordinated joint operation at an ESN/IPOB militia camp located in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area.
“During the operation, which lasted over five hours, the militia members were successfully dislodged, their camp destroyed, while several of them escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
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“A white Lexus 470 SUV and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also recovered from the scene.
“The area has since been stabilised and remains calm as monitoring continues to ensure the safety and security of residents, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
“The Anambra State Police Command reassures Ndi Anambra of its unwavering commitment to sustaining the fight against criminality and restoring peace across the State.”
First Daily correspondent gathered that on Sunday, the Imo State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit dislodged a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist camp in Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area of the state, leading to the arrest of 29 suspects, 25 males and four females, allegedly linked to the proscribed group.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, in a statement said, “This operation was initiated following the apprehension of a key suspect, Anukuru Nnana Emmanuel, ‘m, 25 years, last week in Mgbidi. His vital confessions enabled police operatives to locate and dismantle the camp.
“During the operation, several dangerous items were recovered, including four pump action guns, two locally made revolvers, five locally made pistols, three AK-47 magazines, a Point of Sale machine, and 20 rounds of live cartridges, one white SUV and local bulletproof charms used by the criminal syndicate…”