Troops apprehend ‘IPOB militia commander’ in Abia

The army says security operatives have apprehended Awurum Eze, identified as the “second-in-command” to Ikonso, leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an outfit of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The development comes weeks after Ikonso, identified as the IPOB militia deputy commander, was killed following a raid on the hideout of the ESN in Imo state.

Yerima noted that the 48-year-old Eze, said to be a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano LGA of Imo, had escaped during the previous raid that led to the death of Ikonso.

The army spokesman added that security operatives had been on Eze’s trail, before he was arrested on Wednesday in Aba.

“Awurum Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than three months,” the statement reads.

“Many of the arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second in Command to late Ikonso.

“According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu.

“He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”