The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while also rescuing 12 kidnap victims and neutralising terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 24 hours.
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations were conducted in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.
According to the source, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation, stormed Aku-Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State and apprehended the suspected IPOB/ESN kingpin at his hideout.
The operation also led to the recovery of an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag. Troops also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.
On anti-kidnap operations, the source revealed that five kidnapped victims were rescued in Madagali, Adamawa State; another five in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State; and two others in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Troops further neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. One violent extremist was also neutralised in Benue State, with a mobile phone and charms recovered.
Additionally, 11 suspects were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States for crimes ranging from armed robbery and gun-running to violent extremism. In Plateau State, troops recovered 40 rustled cattle and returned them to their rightful owners.
The source emphasised that the operational successes were made possible through sustained collaboration between the army, other security agencies, and local communities.
He added that the Nigerian Army remained committed to creating a safe environment that would enhance agriculture and socio-economic development, in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
