IPOB/ESN Commander “Ezege” captured by troops in Enugu operation, two fighters neutralised

In a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, a high-profile Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) Commander, known by the alias Mr Ezege, was successfully apprehended. The operation took place in a sting operation at the Obinagu community within the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The arrested ESN Commander, Mr Ezege, had recently circulated a viral video and audio message across various social media platforms, threatening to unleash chaos in Enugu State.

This significant achievement was reported as part of the update on the ongoing activities of the Operation UDO KA II, aimed at countering proscribed IPOB and its armed affiliate ESN elements in the South East region of Nigeria. The troops, in conjunction with the aforementioned security agencies, also conducted a successful raid on IPOB/ESN hideouts in Imufu, located in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

During this operation, two IPOB/ESN fighters were neutralized, and the security personnel seized three Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles as well as a locally-fabricated single barrel gun.

Further notable achievements in this joint operation included the dismantling of a gun-running syndicate in Obudu, Cross River State. The syndicate, which had been operating illicitly, was unveiled following credible intelligence and vigilance.

The leader of the gun-running syndicate, along with two Nigerians and two Cameroonians involved, were apprehended in a meticulously executed sting operation. Preliminary investigations exposed their involvement in purchasing firearms, which they then sold to a middleman responsible for supplying arms and ammunition to Ambazonian Separatists in the Republic of Cameroon.

A subsequent operation resulted in the capture of the gun-running mastermind, Raphael, also known as Biajua, a Cameroonian national. This arrest occurred in the Biajua community within the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. The troops seized four Semi Automatic Pump Action Rifles and four mobile phones during this operation.

The Nigerian Army has urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the security agencies. Additionally, the resilient people of the South East region are encouraged to disregard the unlawful sit-at-home order and continue their daily activities without fear of intimidation, as operations to counter such measures will persist.