Crime

How Soldiers Arrested Fleeing IPOB Members in Anambra and the Weapons Seized

Published by admin on July 11th, 2024.

How Soldiers Arrested Fleeing IPOB Members in Anambra and the Weapons Seized

By Solomon Odeniyi

Troops

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended two members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), identified as Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha, in Anambra State. The suspects were captured near Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area while traveling in an SUV. Authorities recovered two pump-action rifles and 41 cartridges from the vehicle.

The Nigerian Army disclosed on Wednesday via X.com that Godwin and Onuoha had been on the Nigeria Police’s wanted list since 2023. According to the Army, the suspects were found with a hand-held communication radio and other items indicating their involvement in criminal activities. Preliminary investigations suggest that Ifeanyi Godwin financed a hotel through kidnapping proceeds, using it as an IPOB/ESN operational base.

In another operation, troops raided the residence of a known kidnapper, Bello Chinjdawoje, in Ibadan. They recovered two AK-47 rifles. The Army stated, “In Oyo State, troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of suspected kidnap kingpin Bello Chinjdawoje in Bodija, Ibadan North LGA. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, and additional rounds buried inside an animal’s cage. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Chinjdawoje and dismantle his criminal network.”

Additionally, in Katsina, troops thwarted a terrorist attack by engaging the assailants in Ruma, Yargamji, and Batsari. This confrontation resulted in the terrorists fleeing, leaving behind three empty AK-47 magazines. The Army reported, “In Kankara LGA, Katsina State, troops acted on intelligence about terrorists planning an attack on commuters returning from the village market. Troops confronted the terrorists, neutralizing one and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. The decisive actions of the troops prevented a potential attack and disrupted the terrorists’ plans.”