By Sabiu Abdullahi
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) alongside an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in several violent attacks and killings in Enugu State.
The suspects were arrested on Friday in the Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area after what security operatives described as months of intelligence monitoring.
Security sources explained that the operation followed extensive surveillance of the suspects’ activities.
According to the sources, “the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026.”
Authorities later identified the suspects as Sabastine Odo Odam, who is believed to be a prominent ESN commander, and Ejike Daniel, said to be a member of IPOB.
Security officials said the suspects admitted their roles in a number of attacks on police formations in the area. During those incidents, weapons were reportedly stolen and several security personnel lost their lives.
A source said, “Both men 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 arrests are seen by security agencies as an important step in addressing the security challenges facing communities in the South-East region.
“The arrests represent a significant success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the South-East and the country at large,” the source added.
Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development. Many said they hope the arrests will help restore calm to communities that have suffered repeated attacks in recent years.
The two suspects are currently being held by the DSS. Security authorities said they will face prosecution once investigations are completed.
