The Nigerian Army arrested two members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Godwin and Uche Onuoha, in Anambra State.
The two suspects were apprehended inside a Sport Utility Vehicle at Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, carrying two pump-action guns and 41 rounds, among other items.
Onuoha and Godwin, according to a Nigerian Army post on Wednesday on X, have been on the Nigeria Police wanted list since 2023.
The Army said, “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 two pump-action rifles, 41 cartridges, a hand-held communication radio, and fetish objects. Further investigations revealed their involvement in criminal activities, and they have been on the Nigeria Police Wanted list since 2023.
“Preliminary investigations further revealed that Ifeanyi Godwin allegedly owned a hotel from the proceeds of kidnapping used as an IPOB/ESN operations base.”
The Army said forces searched the home of a kidnapping kingpin, Bello Chinjdawoje, in Ibadan and seized two AK-47 rifles.
“Similarly, in Oyo State, troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of a suspected kidnapping kingpin identified as Bello Chikidawoje in the Bodija Area of Ibadan North LGA.
“The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, and additional rounds buried inside an animal’s cage. Efforts are underway to apprehend Bello Chikidawoje and dismantle his criminal network,” the post added.
In another operation in Katsina, the Army said forces battled militants who had blocked the road in Ruma, Yargamji, and Batsari in a gunfight, forcing them to flee.
The service said, “In a separate operation in Katsina State, troops responded to a distress call about terrorists blocking the road in Ruma Yargamji, Batsari. The swift action by the troops compelled the terrorists to flee, resulting in the recovery of three 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 the village market.
“Troops confronted the terrorists, leading to the neutralisation 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.”
