Operatives of Nigeria’s secret police have arrested a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network and an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra during security operations in Enugu State.
Security sources said personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Sabastine Odo Odam, believed to be a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and Ejike Daniel, suspected to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The arrests took place on Friday in Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State following months of intelligence surveillance.
According to security officials, the operation followed sustained investigations into a string of violent incidents targeting police facilities and security personnel in the region between 2024 and 2026.
Sources said the suspects allegedly confessed to coordinating several attacks on police stations and stealing weapons during the assaults.
“They have admitted being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and the carting away of arms,” one security source said.
Authorities linked the suspects to multiple killings, including the deaths of 11 labourers in February 2026, two police officers in January 2026, two policemen in December 2025, and another officer in 2024, among other incidents.
Officials described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast, where armed groups have been blamed for attacks on security installations, government facilities and civilians.
The region has witnessed recurring violence attributed to separatist militants and criminal gangs, with security agencies intensifying operations to dismantle their networks.
Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development, expressing hope that the arrests would help restore calm to communities that have endured repeated attacks in recent years.
Community members said the arrests had raised expectations that security forces could regain control and reduce the level of violence in the area.
Security officials confirmed that the two suspects remain in DSS custody and are expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are completed.
Authorities say further investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals connected to the attacks and dismantle the broader network behind the violence.
