Troops Apprehend IPOB/ESN Commander in Enugu, Recover Arms and Ammunition

Troops of Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III, in collaboration with various security agencies, successfully apprehended Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa, a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a raid operation based on credible intelligence.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, also led to the arrest of three other group members at their hideout within Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The detainees were reportedly planning to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter and plotting attacks on security forces.

Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while attempting to escape during the raid. The other arrested individuals are Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere. Four live cartridges were recovered from the scene.

Further operations on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at another hideout in Nenwe, Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State, resulted in the recovery of additional weaponry, including one AK 47 Rifle, two AK 47 Magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one Pump action rifle.

Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa, formerly the Second in Command to the notorious IPOB/ESN criminal Chocho, was apprehended after Chocho escaped to Benue State. The arrested individuals are currently in custody for further investigation.

Major General HT Dada, the GOC 82 Div Nigerian Army, expressed gratitude for the cooperation of other security agencies in ensuring the success of the operation. He called upon the people of the South East region to support the security forces by providing timely and credible information through the Emergency Line 193.

The Nigerian Army, in a Thursday communique, reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property in the South East region while carrying out constitutional duties within the bounds of the law.