Arms and Ammunition Recovered; Troops Arrest Alleged IPOB/ESN Commander and Three Others

Along with three other individuals, the accused commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been taken into custody by Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III troops and other security services.

A statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s verified X handle on Thursday stated that a reliable intelligence report had allowed for the detention.

“On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, troops from Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III, working with other law enforcement agencies, captured one Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa, a commander of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), along with three other individuals, from their hiding place at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“The arrest was made possible during a raid operation of their hideout while they were planning attacks on their own troops and holding a meeting to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from the apprehended former Commander Chocho.”

“Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa was shot during the raid while attempting to flee. Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere are the other people who were detained. Four live cartridges were found, however.

It may be remembered that Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa served as Chocho’s second in command. Chocho was a well-known IPOB/ESN criminal who, as a result of the intensity of his own activities, had previously escaped to Benue State before being apprehended. The crooks who were apprehended are currently being held for additional abuse.

“In an additional raid conducted early on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at a different hideout in Nenwe, Agwu Local Government Area, Enugu State, the following was found: one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, twenty-five rounds of NATO special ammunition in the 7.62mm calibre, and one pump action rifle.

The remarkable cooperation of various security agencies is greatly appreciated by Maj Gen HT Dada, the GOC of the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army, for the operation’s success. He would like to encourage the good people of the South East to continue supporting the Emergency Line 193 by providing prompt, dependable, and credible information that will result in the arrest of more dishonest individuals.

“As it fulfils its constitutional duties within the bounds of the law, the Nigerian Army will continue to defend the lives and property of the good people of the South East.” Happy Yuletide season to all.