The Army did not name the arrested terror sponsor, but it did say nine other insurgents were apprehended in an operation on January 15 in the southeast region.
The Army gave this update at the Defense Headquarters conference room while providing its operational activities and other security operations 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 of Defense 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 addition, troops conducted operational activities in villages, forests, towns, and cities throughout Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States in order to restore peace and normalcy to the region."
"Notably, on January 15, 2023, following credible intelligence, troops raided suspected criminal 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 two pump-action rifles, 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition, four cutlasses, an axe, one vehicle, five mobile phones, substances suspected to be cannabis, and the sum of N16,000.
Additionally, on January 17, 2023, troops had a meeting and 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 gunshot 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 January 23, 2023, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel conducted a fighting patrol to the camps of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals at Usham and Amamputu villages in Oguta Local Government Area in Imo State, but no contact was made.
"Troops, however, condoned and searched the camp and recovered seven pump-action rifles, two AK-47 rifles, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special, one double-barreled gun, four locally made hand grenades, and 17 live cartridges. Others are nine motorcycles, two vehicles, six mobile phones, and 37 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis.
"Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles, 9 pump action rifles, 1 double barrel gun, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 locally made hand grenades, 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 neutralized six 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."
News Source: PoliticsNigeria
