In a series of coordinated operations, troops of the Nigerian military under Operation Udoka have arrested the founding father of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), along with three notorious commanders of the group and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). 

The arrests were made during sting operations targeting hideouts of the separatist group in Orsu, Imo State, as well as Amaruku and Arochukwu in Abia State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, provided details of the operations during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. He revealed that the military raids led to the elimination of 24 terrorists and the arrest of 12 other violent extremists. 

Additionally, troops managed to rescue a kidnapped hostage during the operations.

“The arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions to be taken,” Major-General Buba stated, emphasizing the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the South-East region. The operations are part of ongoing efforts to tackle the activities of IPOB and its paramilitary wing, which have been accused of various acts of violence in the area.

The capture of the IPOB founder and key commanders represents a significant development in the government’s counter-insurgency efforts in the South-East. The military’s success in the recent raids underscores its determination to weaken the group’s influence and bring stability to the region.