Troops of Operation Udoka in the Southeast have located and detained a founding father and three infamous terrorist leaders of IPOB/ESN in the sub-sectors of Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku, and Arochukwu in Abia State as part of the effort to eradicate insecurity from the country and eliminate terrorist gang commanders and leaders.
According to the defence headquarters, forces killed 24 terrorists, detained 12 violent extremists, and freed one captive who had been abducted during the confrontation to apprehend the commanders.
When announcing this, Major Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated: “A terrorist commander from IPOB was arrested as a result of a sting operation carried out by troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu. Pius Iguh, the terrorist commander who was captured, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State.
“Similarly, troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu. He was arrested in Mbano LGA of Abia State.
“Relatedly troops and security forces in a combined sting operation arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock. He was arrested with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu in Abia State.
“Troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
“Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“Between 15 and 18 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Obubra LGAs of Imo and Cross River States respectively.
“Troops also made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Following the firefight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
“Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
“Between 15 and 19 October 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ehime Mbano, Oguta and Orsu LGAs of Imo State as well as Udenu LGA of Enugu State respectively.”