Troops arrest ‘IPOB commander’, recover weapons in Enugu

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Awgu LGA of Enugu state.

The suspects are Uchechukwu Akpa, identified as the commander of IPOB, Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

In a statement on Thursday, the army said the suspects were arrested after their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu LGA, was raided.

“The arrest was made possible during a raid operation of their hideout while they were holding a meeting to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN autopilot command, Enugu state chapter, from apprehended former commander Chocho,” the statement reads.

“During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape.

“Others arrested are; Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere. While quantity 4 of live cartridges were recovered.

“It could be recalled that Mr Uchechukwu Akpa was the second-in-command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN criminal who earlier escaped to Benue state due to the intensity of own operations and was recently arrested. The arrested criminals are presently in custody for further exploitation.”

The troops also raided another hideout in Nenwe, Agwu LGA, where one AK-47 rifle, AK-47 magazine, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition and one pump action rifle were recovered.