Following a credible intelligence report, Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended Mr Uchechukwu Akpa, a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Three more members of the group were apprehended with the commander at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Enugu State’s Awgu Local Government Area.
The arrest occurred during a raid on their hideout while they were conducting a meeting to take over the leadership of the IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from detained former Commander *Chocho* and planned attacks on their own men.
During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape. Others arrested are; Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere. While quantity 4 of live cartridge were recovered.
It could be recalled that Mr Uchechukwu 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. The arrested criminals are presently in custody for further exploitation.
In a follow up raid carried out at the early hours of today, Thursday 14 December 2023 at another hideout in Nenwe, Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State, where the following were recovered, One AK 47 Rifle, Two AK 47 Magazine, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition and one Pump action rifle.
The GOC 82 Div Nigerian Army; Maj Gen HT Dada appreciated the incredible cooperation of other security agencies for the success of the operation.
He enjoined the good people of the South East region 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*.
In its communique on Thursday, the Nigerian Army promised to continue to protect lives and property of the good people of the South East region as it carries out its constitutional roles within the ambit of the law.