Police arrest ‘four ESN members’ in Anambra

The Anambra police command says its operatives have arrested four suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, said in a statement on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested in Ufuma, Orumba north LGA of the state.

He added that one of the suspects confessed to being among the gunmen sent to enforce the May 30 sit-at-home order in the state.

“The police-led joint security force in Aguata on 17/6/2024 intercepted four suspected ESN militia in Ufuma, Orumba North, Anambra state,” the statement reads.

“The arrest is following information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.

“Among the four suspects arrested is one Maduabuchi Nwafor, AKA Omenkpo ‘M’ aged 32 years a native of Ufuma.

“He has been identified as one of the native doctors who prepares criminal charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and meeting points for the criminals.

“Also, one of the suspects’ name withheld who is already assisting the police with information confessed to being one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce illegal sit-at-home on May 30th, 2024.

“The commissioner of police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, orders investigations to be widened and deepened to identify hideouts of the insurgents seeking to destabilize and truncate development in the state.

“He assures Ndi Anambra that the police command under his watch will continue to serve the people selflessly and will jealously protect the sources of its information to protect informers from harm.”