The Nigerian Navy has handed over five suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Anambra State for further investigation.

The suspects were arrested by personnel of Naval Outpost (NOP) Onitsha deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Amiyi following intelligence reports linking them to alleged criminal activities within Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to support internal security operations and combat violent extremism.According to him, preliminary investigations identified one of the suspects as the alleged coordinator of the group’s activities within the affected communities, while the others were reportedly connected to the network.Security operatives also uncovered locations allegedly used for meetings and recruitment activities linked to the group.“In line with established inter-agency collaboration and extant regulations, the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.The Navy added that the operation reflects its sustained commitment of joint security operations aimed at tackling criminality and safeguarding national security across the country.It further reaffirmed its resolve to continue working closely with other security agencies to ensure peace, stability, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.