Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two Indigenous People of Biafra members who have been on the police wanted list since 2023.
The suspects, Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha were intercepted inside a Sport Utility Viechle near Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State with two pump-action rifles and 41 cartridges.
This was contained in a post by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday on X.
“In Anambra State, troops on patrol successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN members identified as Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha, in a Toyota Highlander SUV, near Umunze, Orumba South LGA.
“The suspects were found in possession of 2 pump-action rifles, 41 cartridges, a hand-held communication radio, and fetish objects. Further investigations revealed their involvement in criminal activities and have been on the Nigeria Police Wanted list since 2023.
“Preliminary investigations further revealed that Ifeanyi Godwin allegedly owned a hotel from proceeds of kidnapping used as an IPOB/ESN operations base,” it stated.
The Army said troops also raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin, Bello Chikidawoje in Ibadan and recovered two AK-47 riffles.
“Similarly, in Oyo State, troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of a suspected kidnap kingpin identified as Bello Cikidawoje, in Bodija Area of Ibadan North LGA.
“The operation led to the recovery of 2 AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, and additional rounds buried inside an animal’s cage. Efforts are underway to apprehend Bello Cikidawoje and dismantle his criminal network,” the post added.
In another operation conducted in Katsina State, the Army said troops routed terrorists who blocked Ruma, Yargamji and Batsari roads, forcing them to flee.
“The swift action by the troops compelled the terrorists to flee, resulting in the recovery of 3 empty AK-47 magazines along their withdrawal route.
“In Kankara LGA, Katsina State, troops acted on intelligence about terrorists planning an attack on commuters returning from a village market.
“Troops confronted the terrorists, leading to the neutralization of one terrorist and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
“The decisive actions of the troops prevented a potential attack and disrupted the terrorists’ plans.”