DSS arrests ESN commander, IPOB member in Enugu

The Department of State Services on Friday arrested two men suspected to be linked to violent attacks in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The arrests took place in the Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities after months of intelligence operations carried out by security operatives in the area.

According to information from security sources on Saturday, the two suspects were picked up over their alleged involvement in several attacks on police facilities and killings recorded in the area between 2024 and 2026.

The operation followed continuous monitoring of the suspects and their activities before security operatives moved in to apprehend them.

The suspects were identified as Sabastine Odo Odam and Ejike Daniel. Odam is believed to be a commander of the Eastern Security Network, while Daniel is suspected to be a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Security sources said investigations linked the two men to a number of attacks on police stations in the local government area. During those incidents, weapons were reportedly taken from the police while several security officers lost their lives.

The suspects were also linked to other violent incidents in the area, including the killing of several workers earlier in 2026. Authorities said some of the attacks recorded in recent years led to the deaths of police officers in separate incidents in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The arrests came after security agencies increased surveillance in parts of the South-East where repeated attacks on security facilities had been reported. Intelligence reports gathered over time helped operatives track down the suspects in their communities before they were taken into custody.

Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reacted to the development with relief. Many people in the affected communities have lived with fear due to repeated attacks and killings that disrupted daily activities in the area.

Security officials believe the arrests could help ongoing efforts to restore peace in communities that have experienced violence in recent years. The two suspects are currently being held by the Department of State Services as investigations continue.

Authorities said the suspects would be taken to court after the completion of the investigation process.

The security agency is also continuing its operations in the region as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve safety in the affected communities.