The Nigerian Army on Thursday said a notorious commander of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Uchechukwu Akpa and three others have been arrested at their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta, Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State.
The Army said Akpa and the other members of the IPOB/ESN group were arrested on Wednesday following a credible intelligence report by troops of Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III, in conjunction with other security agencies.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the IPOB/ESN kingpins were arrested while they were planning a fresh attack inside the church.
According to Colonel Unuakhalu: “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 cartridge were recovered.”
The Army Spokesperson noted that Akpa was the Second-in-Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN criminal, who earlier escaped to Benue State due to the intensity of the operations and was recently arrested.
He noted that the arrested criminals were presently in custody for further interrogation.
Colonel Unuakhalu added: “In a follow up raid carried out at the early hours of today (Thursday) at another hideout in Nenwe community in Agwu LGA, the following were 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, Major General 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.”
(NAN)