The Nigerian Navy has handed over five suspects linked to the alleged activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and associated criminal elements to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Anambra State for further investigation.
The suspects were apprehended by personnel of Naval Outpost (NOP) Onitsha deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Amiyi following intelligence reports linking them to suspected criminal activities within Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations identified one of the suspects as the alleged coordinator of the group’s operations within the affected communities.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects is the alleged coordinator of the group’s operations within the affected communities, while the remaining four were identified as active members of the network,” the statement said.
The Navy further disclosed that investigations uncovered locations allegedly being used for clandestine meetings and recruitment activities linked to the group.
“Initial findings further pointed to specific locations allegedly used for clandestine meetings and recruitment activities,” Folorunsho added.
The statement explained that the suspects were subsequently transferred to the DSS in line with established inter-agency collaboration protocols and existing regulations.
“In keeping with established inter-agency collaboration protocols and extant regulations, the Navy subsequently transferred custody of all five suspects to the Department of State Services for thorough investigation and prosecution as deemed appropriate,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation reflects its continued commitment to supporting internal security operations and combating criminality, violent extremism, and emerging threats to national security.
Folorunsho added that the Navy remains committed to strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure lasting peace, stability, and protection of lives and property across the country.
Linus Aleke
