Anambra Police arrest top IPOB commander, recover four rifles

One of the leaders of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has been arrested with bullets wounds.

Four other members of the group were arrested at Nnobi, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State

Though the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ikenga Tochukwu refused to confirm the arrest, a Senior Police officer in the Command confirmed it

The source, who spoke on phone, said the Command was still combing the areas for the hoodlums, adding that at the appropriate time, they would be made known.

The source further confirmed that four AK -47 and some pump action guns were recovered from the IPOB leader alleged to have been instrumental to the killings of policemen and burning of police facilities in Anambra

On Friday, some gunmen engaged security operatives in a gun duel in Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area where four security operatives were allegedly killed.

During the gun battle, many of the hoodlums were injured while some of them also were killed by security operatives.

In a statement on Saturday, Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, claimed that four IPOB members have been arrested by the military in Anambra State.

According to him, “troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN neutralised four gunmen of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in a fierce encounter at Nnobi Junction, Idemili South Local Government Area on Friday 29 October 2021.

“This followed the assailants’ armed attack on personnel of security agencies deployed at Ekwulobia Round About in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, during which troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and subsequently embarked on pursuit of the criminals along Nnewi – Nnobi road.

“Troops made contact with the fleeing gunmen and engaged them in a fire fight, neutralizing four of the criminals.

“The gallant troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one GALIL Ace 5.56 x 45 Iwi Gun, one Avofeng Hand held radio and one Black Highlander jeep. Sadly, a personnel of one of the security agencies paid the supreme price.

“In a separate operation, troops have foiled another attack by IPOB/ESN gunmen at Umunze Checkpoint, in Orumba South Local Government Area.

“The vigilant troops overwhelmed the attackers in the shootout that ensued, forcing them to take to their heels, abandoning, one Pump Action gun with nine cartridges, one dark blue Ford and four motorcycles, which the troops have recovered.

“The Nigerian Army notes that the recent attacks are part of proscribed IPOB/ESN plan to instill fear into the public and sabotage forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election,” he said

Courtesy The Nation: amended headline