Nigerian Army Defence Headquarters, DHQ Abuja has stated that it has captured a founding father and commanders of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The Headquarters stated that the feat was achieved by the troops of the Nigerian military attached to Operation Udoka in the Southeast zone.
The DHQ added that the troops have also arrested at least three notorious leaders of IPOB/ESN. The outlaw leaders were captured during raids carried out on the group’s hideouts in Orsu, Amaruku, Imo State and Arochukwu in Abia State.
This was disclosed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday. He stated that the troops also neutralized 24 terrorists and arrested 12 violent extremists.
The Defence spokesperson revealed that the soldiers rescued one kidnapped hostage. He added that arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions to be taken.
Buba explained that the raids were carried out in furtherance of the fight to rid the nation of insecurity.
He emphasized Defence determination to take out commanders and leaders of terrorists’ gangs as well as their foot soldiers.
He said, “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.”
Buba noted that the adversaries engaged the troops in a gun duel during the raid. He, however, stated that they were finally overpowered and suppressed with superior fighting equipment.
“Troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 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 and 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items were also recovered.
“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 Imo State and Obubra LGAs of Cross River State.
“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,” the statement concluded.
source: Daily Trust
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