Enugu attacks: DSS arrests ESN commander, IPOB member

Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network and an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra over their purported involvement in a string of attacks on police stations and killings in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The suspects were apprehended on Friday in Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities after months of intelligence gathering by security operatives, according to a statement released on Saturday.

Security sources said the arrests followed sustained surveillance of the suspects’ activities linked to a series of violent incidents in the area between 2024 and 2026.

The suspects were identified as Sabastine Odo Odam, alleged to be a notorious ESN commander, and Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of IPOB.

According to the sources, the duo allegedly confessed to orchestrating several attacks on police stations, during which weapons were stolen and security personnel killed.

“They have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away weapons, including the killing of 11 labourers in February 2026, two policemen in January 2026, two policemen in December 2025, and another officer in 2024, among others,” the source said.

The source described the arrests as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the South-East.

Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly expressed relief following the development, saying the arrests could help restore peace to communities that have experienced repeated attacks in recent years.

The suspects are currently in DSS custody and are expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.