Troops of Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III in conjunction with other security agencies apprehended a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The IPOB/ESN Commander, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa, and three others were apprehended on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, following a credible intelligence report.
This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, on Thursday in Enugu..
Unuakhalu said that the IPOB/ESN commander and his men were apprehended at their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta, Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“The arrest was made possible during a raid operation of 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 populaly known as “Chocho “.
“They were also planning to carry out attacks on own 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 four of live cartridge were recovered,” he said.
The army Spokesman recalled 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 own operations and was recently arrested.
He noted that the apprehended and arrested criminals are presently in custody for further exploitation.
In a follow up raid carried out at the early hours of today, Thursday, Dec. 14, at another hideout in Nenwe community in Agwu Local Government Area, where 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; Maj.-Gen. 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. Wishing all happy yuletide season,” he added.
