The Nigerian Navy transferred five individuals suspected of affiliation with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to the State Security Service (SSS) for further investigation, authorities said on Friday.
According to a statement released by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, director of naval information, the suspects were detained by personnel from the naval outpost in Onitsha that is stationed at Forward Operating Base Amiyi. The operation was triggered by credible intelligence that linked the men to criminal activity in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that one of the detainees allegedly coordinated IPOB/ESN activities within the region, while the others were connected to a broader network of operations. Early findings also suggest that certain locations in the area have been used for group meetings and recruitment.
Following standard inter‑agency protocols, the Navy handed the suspects over to the State Security Service for further questioning and possible prosecution. Captain Folorunsho described the transfer as part of the Navy’s ongoing commitment to internal security, the fight against criminality and violent extremism, and collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the country.
The hand‑over underscores the Nigerian security apparatus’s coordinated approach to addressing separatist militancy in the southeast, a region that has experienced periodic unrest linked to IPOB and its armed wing. Observers note that the incident reflects heightened vigilance by the armed forces and intelligence services in response to intelligence on emerging threats.
No charges have yet been filed, and the SSS has not released details on the next steps in the investigation. The case remains under close watch as authorities continue to monitor separatist activity in Anambra and neighboring states.
