Troops Eliminate Wanted IPOB Leader; See Numbers of Notorious Terrorists Arrested
The Nigerian army has announced the killing of a suspected leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State, South-east Nigeria. The operation also led to the arrest of two other notorious terrorists.
In a statement on its Facebook page on Monday, the army detailed that its troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out multiple raids on IPOB hideouts in the state.
The statement revealed that one raid took place at an IPOB hideout in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, Onuimo Local Government Area. This operation targeted Chinemerem, known as “Bam Bam” in the community. During the raid, Chinemerem was neutralized as he attempted to reach for his weapon, and several accomplices were arrested. A substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN paraphernalia were seized, and the hideout was destroyed.
In another operation, troops intercepted suspected IPOB/ESN members at a hideout in Ama Hausa, Okigwe Local Government Area. The suspects fled, leaving behind a cache of ammunition and motorcycles. Items recovered included 72 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (special), three rounds of 5.56mm, one FN rifle, a pair of military desert boots, and one green beret.
Additionally, the army conducted a raid in Orlu Local Government Area, targeting two other notorious figures, Izuchukwu Emejuru (known as “Kingkong”) and Chibuzor Chikwe (known as “Onyema”). Both were arrested, and a variety of weapons, including a semi-automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol, were confiscated. The troops also recovered valuables belonging to Ugonna Iriele, the traditional ruler of Ogberuru, whose palace was attacked and burned by gunmen in September 2023.
IPOB seeks the independence of Biafra from Nigeria, encompassing the south-east and parts of the south-south regions. While the group has been linked to numerous attacks, it has repeatedly denied involvement.
In a related operation, the army reported the arrest of a suspected terrorist, Ibrahim Abdullahi, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, North-central Nigeria. An AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition were recovered during this operation.
The statement did not specify the dates of these operations but emphasized the coordinated efforts and commitment of the security forces in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorist groups and criminals.
