The troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two Indigenous People of Biafra members identified as Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha in Anambra State.
The two suspects were intercepted inside a Sport Utility Viechle near Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area with two pump-action rifles and 41 cartridges among others.
Onuoha and Godwin according to a post by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday on X, had been on the Nigeria Police wanted list since 2023.
The Army said, “In Anambra State, troops on patrol successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN members identified as Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha, in a Toyota Highlander SUV, near Umunze, Orumba South LGA.
“The suspects were found in possession of 2 pump-action rifles, 41 cartridges, a hand-held communication radio, and fetish objects. Further investigations revealed their involvement in criminal activities and have been on the Nigeria Police Wanted list since 2023. Preliminary investigations further revealed that Ifeanyi Godwin allegedly owned a hotel from proceeds of kidnapping used as an IPOB/ESN operations base.”
The Army said troops raided the residence of a kidnap kingpin, Bello Chinjdawoje in Ibadan and recovered two AK-47 riffles.
“Similarly, in Oyo State, troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin identified as Bello Chikidawoje, in Bodija Area of Ibadan North LGA.
“The operation led to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, and additional rounds buried inside an animal’s cage. Efforts are underway to apprehend Bello Chikidawoje and dismantle his criminal network,” the post added.
In another operation conducted in Katsina, the Army said troops engaged terrorists who blocked the road in Ruma, Yargamji and Batsari in a gun duel, causing them to flee.
The service said, “In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops responded to a distress call about terrorists blocking the road in Ruma Yargamji, Batsari. The swift action by the troops compelled the terrorists to flee, resulting in the recovery of 3 empty AK-47 magazines along their withdrawal route.
“In Kankara LGA, Katsina State, troops acted on intelligence about terrorists planning an attack on commuters returning from the village market. Troops confronted the terrorists, leading to the neutralization of one terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. The decisive actions of the troops prevented a potential attack and disrupted the terrorists’ plans.” (Punch)