By Ayomide Otitoju
Troops of Operation Udoka have apprehended key figures of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a series of operations in Imo and Abia States, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
In a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, Maj. Gen. Buba revealed that the troops, in a sting operation at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) in Orsu, Imo State, arrested a top IPOB leader identified as Mr. Pius Iguh, described as a “founding father” of IPOB and responsible for terrorist activities in the Orsu area.
In a separate operation in Amaruku, Abia State, troops raided the location of an IPOB commander in Mbano Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of Emmanuel Onwugu, another key IPOB leader. Additionally, security forces arrested notorious cult leader Ifeanyi Rock along with ten of his commanders in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Maj. Gen. Buba reported that various weapons and other items were recovered during these operations. He also highlighted broader successes of the military, including the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims and the neutralization of 140 terrorists, with 135 arrests made across the country.
In the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft, 18 suspects were apprehended, and over 1.1 million litres of stolen crude oil were recovered, along with 557,210 litres of illegally refined diesel. Several illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta were destroyed as part of the operation.
The military continues to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, criminality, and economic sabotage across Nigeria.
