BREAKING: Nigerian Army captures high-profile IPOB/ESN sponsor [PHOTO]

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said it has captured a high-profile sponsor of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Bellnewsonline.com reports that although the Army did not name the arrested terror sponsor, it said nine other insurgents were apprehended in an operation which was conducted on January 15 in the southeast region.

The Army gave this update at the Defence Headquarters conference room while providing its operational activities and other security agencies conducted in addressing the various security challenges across Nigeria in the past two weeks.

A total of six IPOB terrorists were also eliminated within the said period.

The press briefing was handled by Major-General Musa Danmadami, the Director Defence Media Operations.

Danmadami said: “Troops and other security agents have sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in the South East zone of the country.

“In furtherance to this, troops conducted operational activities in villages, forests, towns and cities of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States geared towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.

“Notably, on 15 January 2023, following credible intelligence troops raided suspected criminals hideouts at Ugwoba town in Oji River Local Government Area in Enugu State and Mbosi village in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and arrested 10 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network members including a high profile sponsor of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.

“Troops recovered 2 pump action rifles, 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 4 cutlasses, 1 axe, 1 vehicle, 5 mobile phones, substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N16,000.

“Additionally, on 17 January 2023, troops had a meeting engagement with Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals close to their check point along Orusumoghu-Ukpor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“The criminals fled with gun shoot injuries, troops exploited the area and recovered 4 Improved Explosive Devices, 1 vehicle, 4 locally made explosive pipes, 8 cartridges, 1 locally made grenade and 1 single barrel gun.

“Equally, on 23 January 2023, troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police personnel conducted fighting patrol to Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals camps at Usham and Amamputu villages in Oguta Local Government Area in Imo State but no contact was made.

“Troops however, condoned and search the camp and recovered 7 pump action rifles, 2 AK47 rifles, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 double barrel gun, 4 locally made hand grenade, 17 live cartridges. Others are 9 motorcycles, 2 vehicles, 6 mobile phones and 37 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis.

“Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 9 pump action rifles, 1 double barrel gun, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 locally made hand grenade, 17 live cartridges, 4 IEDs, 4 locally made explosive pipes, 8 cartridges, 1 locally made grenade, 1 barrel gun, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 cutlasses, 1 axe, 1 vehicle, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N16,000.00 only.

“Troops equally neutralised 6 terrorists, arrested 24 and rescued 16 civilians.

“All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”