By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has handed over five suspects allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other criminal elements to the Department of State Services (DSS), Anambra State Command, for further investigation.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspects were arrested by personnel of Naval Outpost (NOP) Onitsha deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Amiyi following credible intelligence reports connecting them to suspected criminal activities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Navy Captain Folorunsho stated that preliminary investigations identified one of the suspects as the alleged coordinator of the group’s activities within the affected communities, while others were reportedly linked to the network.
He further disclosed that initial findings revealed locations allegedly being used for meetings and recruitment activities connected to the criminal network.
The statement noted that, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration and extant regulations, the suspects were subsequently transferred to the Department of State Services for further investigation and necessary action.
The Nigerian Navy described the operation as part of its sustained commitment to supporting internal security operations and ongoing efforts aimed at combating criminality, violent extremism, and threats to national security within joint operational areas.
The Service also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain collaborative security operations with relevant agencies to ensure peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property across the country.
