IPOB founder Pius Iguh, commander Emmanuel Onwugu in our custody – Military 

Troops of the Nigerian military attached to Operation Udoka in the Southeast zone of the country have reportedly arrested a founding father of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The troops also arrested at least three notorious leaders of IPOB/ESN during raids on the group’s hideouts in Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku and Arochukwu in Abia State.

Edward Buba, the Director, Defence Media Operations, who disclosed this at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday stated that the troops also neutralised 24 terrorists and arrested 12 violent extremists.

Buba, a Major-General revealed that the soldiers rescued one kidnapped hostage, adding that arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions to be taken.

He explained that the raids were carried out in furtherance of the fight to rid the nation of insecurity and take out commanders and leaders of terrorists’ gangs as well as their foot soldiers.

“Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader. The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State.

“Similarly, troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as

“Relatedly troops and security forces in a combined sting operation arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock. He was arrested with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu in Abia State,” he disclosed.

The senior military officer noted that the adversaries engaged the troops in a gun duel during the raid but they were finally overpowered and suppressed with superior fighting equipment.

He added, “Troops of Operation Udoka neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

“Troops recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“Between 15 and 18 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Obubra LGAs of Imo and Cross River states respectively.

“Troops also made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.”