Soldiers participating in “Operation Udo Ka” have successfully apprehended suspected leaders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State. The operation also led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
According to a statement on the Nigerian Army’s official social media handle, troops tracked and arrested a suspected terrorist in Kwara State, recovering an AK-47 rifle. The statement detailed how troops, in collaboration with other security forces, conducted successful raids on multiple IPOB and ESN hideouts, capturing key leaders and seizing a large quantity of weapons.
In one raid in Orlu Local Government Area (LGA), troops targeted notorious figures Izuchukwu Emejuru, known as “Kingkong,” and Chibuzor Chikwe, alias “Onyema.” The suspects were arrested, and a variety of weapons, including a semi-automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol, were confiscated. Additionally, troops recovered valuable items belonging to Eze Ogberuru, whose palace had previously been desecrated and burnt by ESN members.
Another operation led troops to the hideout of a suspected IPOB/ESN leader, Chinemerem, also known as “Bam Bam,” in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, Onuimo LGA. During this raid, Chinemerem was killed as he attempted to reach for his weapon, and several of his accomplices were arrested. Troops recovered a substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN paraphernalia and destroyed the hideout.
Furthermore, troops intercepted suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists at a hideout in Amausa, Okigwe LGA. In the ensuing shootout, the separatists were overpowered and fled, abandoning a cache of ammunition and motorcycles. The troops recovered 72 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm (NATO) ammunition, four rounds of 7.62mm (Special), three rounds of 5.56mm, one FN rifle, a pair of military desert boots, and one green beret.
In a related development, troops tracked and arrested a suspected terrorist, identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, in Edu LGA of Kwara State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition.