Troops of the Nigerian Army, NA, codenamed Sector 1 Exercise Golden Dawn III have apprehended Uchechukwu Akpa, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) militants.
Akpa was nabbed alongside three others identified as Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere at their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu LGA of Enugu State on Wednesday, 13 December.
“The arrest was made possible during a raid operation of their hideout while holding a meeting to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from apprehended former commander, ‘Chocho’ and also planning to carry out attacks on our troops,” a post on the Nigerian Army’s X page read.
The NA noted that Akpa was the second-in-command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN criminal who earlier escaped to Benue State due to the intensity of troops’ crackdown operations and was recently arrested.
“During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape,” the NA’s statement added, “The arrested criminals are presently in custody for further exploitation.”
TROOPS APPREHEND IPOB/ESN COMMANDER IN ENUGU…. Recovers arms and ammunition
Troops of Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III in conjunction with other security agencies following a credible intelligence report has on Wednesday 13 December 2023 apprehended a commander of the… pic.twitter.com/WuoUWOGZqo
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) December 14, 2023
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