The Anambra State Police Command has dislodged a suspected camp belonging to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the state.
The raid, which came barely five days after the conviction of Biafra separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland, was carried out by operatives of the command in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was led by the police and supported by troops from 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), 14 Field Engineer Regiment, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anambra State Vigilante Group (Agunechemba).
Ikenga said the joint exercise which lasted for over five hours took place in the ESN/IPOB militia camp in Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He noted that while some of the suspects escaped with gunshot injuries, the security forces succeeded in dislodging the camp and recovering dangerous weapons.
The statement read in part, “Anambra Police-led Joint Security Force, Aguata, comprising troops from the 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), 14 Field Engineer Regiment, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Anambra State Vigilante (Agunechemba), in the early hours of 2nd September 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. 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,” the statement added.
