Two suspected ESN/IPOB operatives arrested for alleged terrorist activities in Enugu
By: Zagazola Makama
Two suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been arrested in Enugu State for alleged involvement in coordinated terrorist attacks across the state.
The suspects, identified as Ferdinand Udegbe, 51, popularly known as “Gentle,” from Ameta Mgbowo community, and Igbokwe Francis, 49, alias “Onye Ali,” from Imeama Mgbowo – both in Awgu Local Government Area – were described as hardened operatives linked to multiple subversive incidents.
They were arrested in the early hours of Saturday, July 5, following actionable intelligence that led security operatives to their hideout. The arrests form part of intensified efforts to curb escalating threats posed by separatist-linked violence in the southeast.
According to security sources, the suspects are believed to have played active roles in past attacks targeting strategic infrastructure and personnel in the state.
They are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation and profiling at a secured operations base codenamed Octopus, with further investigations underway to identify and apprehend other accomplices.
Meanwhile, A Sources at the Police Command in Enugu who confirmed the arrests, urged the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to authorities.