A founding father of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reportedly been arrested by Nigerian military troops deployed to Operation Udoka in the country’s Southeast zone.
During searches on IPOB/ESN hideouts in Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku, and Arochukwu, Abia State, military apprehended at least three notorious commanders of the gang.
In addition, the troops detained 12 violent extremists and neutralised 24 terrorists, according to Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, who made the announcement at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Major-General Buba reported that the soldiers had freed one of the hostages who had been abducted and that the detained suspects had been turned over to the proper authorities so that the right measures could be taken.
He explained that the raids were carried out in furtherance of the fight to rid the nation of insecurity and take out commanders and leaders of terrorists’ gangs as well as their foot soldiers.
“Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader. The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State.
“Similarly, troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu. He was arrested in Mbano LGA of Abia State.
“Relatedly troops and security forces in a combined sting operation arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock. He was arrested with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu in Abia State,” he disclosed.
The senior military officer noted that the adversaries engaged the troops in a gun duel during the raid but they were finally overpowered and suppressed with superior fighting equipment.
He added, “Troops of Operation Udoka neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
“Troops recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“Between 15 and 18 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Obubra LGAs of Imo and Cross River states respectively.
“Troops also made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.”
