BREAKING: Nigerian military arrest 20 IPOB members, recover arms

Troops of 82 division Nigerian Army have arrested no fewer than 20 suspects said to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.

Col Aliyu Yusuf, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations made the disclosure on Monday while giving an update “on the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members”.

He said, “Through its unreasonable demand for secession IPOB have continued to interrupt on the security situation in 34 Brigade Area of Responsibility.

Col Yusuf said, “The activities of the threat elements have led to an increase in organized crimes such as Armed Robbery, Kidnapping and other sundry criminal violent acts.

“Recently, there have been various attacks on civilians, Police and military personnel on check points and escort duty.

“It is as a result of the activities of these criminal elements that appropriate superior authority directed the conduct of aggressive patrol within the general area to safeguard lives and property of law abiding citizens.

“On Thursday 7 January 2021, following incessant robbery and killing of civilian and security operatives by suspected IPOB militia within Orlu Senatorial Zone, troops of 34 Brigade were deployed in Orlu and its environs to commence effective Patrol and dominance of the general area to forestall the activities of IPOB.

“On Thursday 7 January 2021 own troops in conjunction with Nigeria Police conducted a Raid Operation of a suspected hideout of the Armed Group in Umutanze Community in Orlu Local Government.

“An SUV Lexus 330 with Registration Number Lagos KRD 320 EY was intercepted with 5 occupants, suspected to be members of IPOB. On sighting own troops 4 of the occupants absconded, however One Mr. Freedom Udochukwu Nwachukwu was arrested and handed over to the Police for further interrogation.”