Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Sabastine Odo Odam, alongside Ejike Daniel, an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Enugu State.
The arrests were carried out on Friday at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area following months of intelligence-driven surveillance by security operatives.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, citing security sources familiar with the operation.
According to the sources, the arrests followed extensive intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects, who were allegedly linked to a series of violent attacks in Isi-Uzo LGA between 2024 and 2026.
The suspects were reportedly involved in multiple assaults on police facilities and the looting of weapons from security formations in the area.
“Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away of weapons,” the source said.
The attacks attributed to the suspects include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers in the area, as well as the deaths of five police officers during separate incidents that occurred between December 24, 2025, and January 26, 2026.
Security officials described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The source added that the operation represents a major success for the DSS in its continued crackdown on armed groups linked to violent activities in the region.
Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development, expressing relief as news of the arrests spread across the communities.
Several residents said the arrests have renewed hope that normalcy and security could gradually return to the affected areas after years of tension and attacks.
Community members noted that frequent attacks on police facilities and civilians had created widespread fear and disrupted daily life in parts of the local government area.
They expressed optimism that the detention of the suspects would help reduce violence and restore peace in the communities.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS.
They are expected to be formally charged in court once investigations into their alleged activities are concluded.
