Troops capture IPOB/ESN founding leader, three commanders in S’East operations

In a significant operation against terrorism in the South-East, troops from Operation Udoka reportedly apprehended a founding leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and three prominent commanders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) during raids in Anambra, Abia, and Enugu states.

The Defence Headquarters reported that during these operations, 24 terrorists were neutralized, 12 violent extremists arrested, and one kidnapped victim was rescued.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details on the successful missions at a press briefing in Abujaon Thursday.

“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,” he stated.

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In a separate action, troops at FOB Amaruku captured another commander, Emmanuel Onwugu, during a raid in Mbano LGA of Abia State. Additionally, a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock was arrested along with ten of his associates in Arochukwu, Abia State.

Buba continued, “Troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists, and rescued one kidnapped hostage.”

The operations yielded substantial recoveries, including 10 AK-47 rifles, 15 pump-action guns, and a variety of ammunition, as well as two vehicles and several mobile phones. All seized items and apprehended individuals were handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Between October 15 and 18, 2024, further engagements with IPOB/ESN terrorists occurred in Imo and Cross River states, leading to similar outcomes in terms of neutralizations and arrests.

Highlighting ongoing efforts across other regions, Buba noted, “In the last one week, troops neutralized 140 and arrested 135 persons, including 18 oil theft perpetrators and 76 kidnapped hostages.” In the Niger Delta, the military thwarted oil theft operations estimated at over N1.7 billion, destroying numerous illegal refining sites and recovering large quantities of stolen oil.

In the North East, Operation Hadin Kai saw 43 terrorists neutralized and 27 suspects apprehended. Efforts in the North Central and North West regions similarly reported significant successes, with multiple arrests and recoveries of arms and ammunition.

Major Gen. Buba emphasized, “The ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations of the armed forces have dealt significant blows to terrorist capabilities. We call on citizens to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military and never to give terrorism any oxygen to thrive in our nation.”

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