BREAKING: ‘IPOB, ESN Founding Member’ Arrested
Troops of Operation Udoka have announced the capture of a ‘founding member’ of the militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and terrorist commanders in SouthEast Nigeria, claiming a series of successful operations in Orsu, Imo State, and parts of Abia State.
Among those arrested was Pius Iguh, identified as a founding father of IPOB’s militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Orsu.
Major Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that troops neutralised 24 terrorists and arrested 12 extremists.
“Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader,” he said.
Buba revealed that troops in Amaruku also arrested another IPOB commander, Emmanuel Onwugu, in Mbano, Abia State.
“Troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander,” he stated.
Additionally, security forces captured Ifeanyi Rock, identified as a notorious cult leader, along with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu.
“Troops and security forces arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu,” said Buba.
During these operations, troops “recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo”.
The defence spokesman said between October 15 and 18, 2024, troops engaged IPOB/ESN terrorists in separate operations, making contact in Orsu, Obubra, and Arochukwu.
These efforts led to the neutralisation of 24 terrorists and the rescue of a kidnapped hostage, he added.
Buba also noted that within the past week, 140 terrorists were neutralised, and 135 suspects arrested in various theatres of operation across Nigeria, with significant recoveries of arms and stolen oil.
Troops further thwarted illegal oil operations in the Niger Delta, denying theft worth N1.7 billion and recovering over one million litres of crude oil.
