Troops of Sector 1 Exercise Golden Dawn III, in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
A statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X account, @HQNigerianArmy, stated that the operation took place on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, based on credible intelligence reports.
The captured commander, identified as Uchechukwu Akpa, along with three others, was nabbed at their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The arrest occurred during a raid operation while the group was holding a meeting to take over the leadership of the IPOB/ESN from the apprehended former Commander ‘Chocho’.
The group was also allegedly planning to carry out attacks on the troops.
During the raid, Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to escape.
The other three were identified as Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere. Four live cartridges were also recovered during the operation.
Akpa was Chocho’s second-in-command. Chocho is a notorious IPOB/ESN criminal who had previously escaped to Benue State but was recently arrested.
The arrested persons are currently in custody for further investigation.
In a subsequent raid conducted early today, Thursday, December 14, 2023, at another hideout in Nenwe, Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State, the security forces recovered some weapons.
The seized items include an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one pump-action rifle.
Major General H. T. Dada, GOC, 82 Div Nigerian Army, expressed appreciation for the exceptional cooperation of other security agencies in the success of the operation.
