Army, DSS arrest suspected IPOB explosives expert in Abia

Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have arrested a man suspected of being an explosives expert allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State.

The arrest was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on his official X account, citing security sources.

According to the sources, the operation was conducted at about 3:50 a.m. on July 12 in the Ummuene community of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The sources said troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, in collaboration with DSS operatives from the Abia and Enugu State Commands, raided the suspect’s hideout following credible intelligence.

The operation reportedly led to the arrest of the suspect, who is alleged to have served as an explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network.

Security operatives also recovered two mobile phones during the raid.

According to the sources, the suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and other necessary actions.

The arrest, they added, is part of ongoing intelligence-led security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and extremist networks operating across the South-East.