Nigerian Navy Hands Over Five Suspected IPOB/ESN Members to DSS in Anambra

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has handed over five suspects linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other criminal elements to the Department of State Services in Anambra State for further investigation.

In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspects were arrested by personnel of Naval Outpost Onitsha deployed at Forward Operating Base Amiyi following intelligence reports connecting them to suspected criminal activities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Preliminary investigations identified one of the suspects as the alleged coordinator of the group’s activities within the affected communities, whileothers were reportedly linked to the criminal network.

Meanwhile, initial findings by security operatives also revealed locations allegedly used for meetings and recruitment activities by the group within the area.

The Navy said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the DSS in line with existing inter-agency collaboration mechanisms and extant regulations for further investigation and necessary action.

The development, according to the Navy, underscores its continued commitment to supporting internal security operations and ongoing efforts aimed at tackling criminality, violent extremism, and threats to national security within joint operational areas.

Meanwhile, the service reiterated its resolve to sustain collaborative security operations with relevant agencies to ensure peace, stability, andprotection of lives and property across the country.