A commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed branch of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was alleged to have been captured by troops of Sector 1 Exercise Golden Dawn III in cooperation with other security agencies.

Based on reliable intelligence reports, a statement released on the Nigerian Army’s X account, @HQNigerianArmy, claimed that the operation happened on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

The commander, identified as Uchechukwu Akpa, was apprehended at his hiding place at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta Mgbowo, in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, along with three other individuals.

The group was holding a meeting to replace the detained former Commander “Chocho” as leader of the IPOB/ESN when the arrest happened during a raid operation.

There were also reports that the group intended to attack the soldiers.

Akpa was shot during the raid while he was trying to get away.

Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere were identified as the other three. During the procedure, four live cartridges were also found and recovered.

Chocho’s second-in-command was Akpa. Renowned IPOB/ESN commander Chocho was just apprehended after he had previously escaped to Benue State.

The people who were detained are being held while more research is conducted.

The security forces found some weapons during a later raid early on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at another hideout in Nenwe, Agwu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

An AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 25 rounds of special NATO 7.62mm ammunition, and one pump-action rifle are among the items that were seized.

A General of the Army, Major General H. T. Dada, of the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army, conveyed gratitude to other security agencies for their outstanding collaboration in making the operation successful.