In a recent series of operations conducted in the South East region of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has reported significant achievements in its efforts to maintain security and combat threats posed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). These operations, aimed at maintaining peace and order, were confirmed in an official statement by the spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II, Jonah Unuakhalu, and were shared on the force’s official social media page.

According to Unuakhalu, the troops of Sector 4, who were stationed at a checkpoint in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, encountered and subsequently engaged with a suspected member of the IPOB/ESN. The individual, identified as an IPOB/ESN member, attempted to evade arrest while riding a motorcycle. Despite repeated orders to halt and dismount, the suspect fled, prompting the troops to open fire, ultimately resulting in his demise. Recovered from the scene were two live rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one ITEL mobile phone, a small bag containing charms, the sum of Two thousand three hundred naira, and one Qlink motorcycle.

In a separate operation, in collaboration with the Department of State Security, troops from Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force in the South East launched a raid on a suspected hideout of IPOB/ESN in Ugbakwa Village, located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The operation yielded the capture of Chimezie Chukwu, also known as “Bigi,” a fugitive who had escaped during a jailbreak in Jos. Bigi was known for his involvement in drug peddling, gunrunning, and armed robbery. The seized items included six mobile phones, three mobile phone batteries, a Moniepoint POS device with an ATM card, two packs of substances suspected to be cannabis, and the sum of One Hundred and Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Naira. The suspect and the confiscated items are currently in the custody of the Department of State Security for further investigation.

Furthermore, another sector of the army troops conducted a raid on a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Ogbunka, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. During this operation, three abandoned Sport Utility Vehicles were discovered – two Toyota Highlanders and one Mercedes Benz ML 350. The army is currently working to ascertain the ownership of these vehicles.

These operations reflect the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to address security challenges in the South East region, particularly concerning the activities of proscribed groups like IPOB and ESN. Investigations and continued efforts remain underway to maintain peace and stability in the area.