Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria — Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS), has arrested two men suspected of involvement in violent attacks on police facilities and killings in southeastern Nigeria.
The arrests took place on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the communities of Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, a region in the country’s South-East geopolitical zone. Security officials said the operation followed several months of intelligence gathering by security operatives tracking the suspects’ activities.
The DSS said one of the suspects, Sabastine Odo Odam, is believed to be a commander in the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The ESN is an armed group linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist organisation that advocates for the creation of an independent state of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria. The Nigerian government has designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation, an allegation the group has repeatedly denied.
The second suspect was identified as Ejike Daniel, who authorities described as a member of IPOB.
Security sources familiar with the investigation said the arrests came after months of monitoring the suspects in connection with attacks on security facilities and killings that occurred between 2024 and 2026 in parts of Enugu State.
According to the source, “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.”
Investigators allege that the suspects played key roles in several violent incidents targeting police personnel and facilities in the area. Authorities said the attacks led to the theft of weapons from police stations and the deaths of several victims.
“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 source said.
Officials described the arrests as an important development in ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to address violent attacks and criminal activities in the South-East region.
Okay News reports that parts of southeastern Nigeria have experienced repeated security incidents in recent years, including attacks on police stations, government buildings, and other public institutions. Authorities have often linked many of these incidents to armed groups operating in the region, although various groups have denied responsibility in some cases.
Local residents in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area welcomed news of the arrests, expressing hope that the development could help restore stability to communities that have faced repeated violence.
The suspects are currently being held in DSS custody while investigations continue. Security officials said both men are expected to be formally charged in court once the investigative process is completed.
