ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Troops from Sector 1 Exercise Golden Dawn III, in collaboration with various security agencies, have successfully captured a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Uchechukwu Akpa, the IPOB/ESN commander, along with three accomplices, was apprehended on Wednesday based on credible intelligence. The arrest took place at their hideout in Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta, Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting deputy director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu.
He stated that the operation also thwarted the group’s plans to assume leadership of the IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command in Enugu State and launch attacks on security forces.
During the raid, Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to escape. The other apprehended individuals are Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere. Additionally, four live cartridges were recovered.
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“The arrest was made possible during a raid on their hideout while they were holding a meeting to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command, Enugu State Chapter, from apprehended former Commander popularly known as “Chocho”.
“They were also planning to carry out attacks on our troops.
“During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape.
“Others arrested are Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta and Ezennaya Udeigewere, while quantity 4 of live cartridges were recovered,” he said.
In a subsequent raid in Nenwe community, Agwu LGA, conducted early Thursday, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one pump-action rifle.
“The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada wishes to appreciate the incredible cooperation of other security agencies for the success of the operation.
“He wishes to enjoin the good people of the South-East to support and continually provide timely, reliable and credible information that will lead to the arrest of more unscrupulous elements through the Emergency Line 193.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives and property of the good people of the South-East as it carries out its constitutional roles within the ambit of the law,” he added.
Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, commended the collaboration among security agencies and urged the people of the South-East to provide timely and credible information.
He emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region within the bounds of the law.