Troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Godwin Nnamdi.
He was arrested in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The army described the suspect as “notorious”.
Director, Army Public Relations department, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement that the operation was executed in conjunction with other security agencies while conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN.
He said it was during joint clearance operations at a camp suspected to be the fortress of IPOB/ESN elements located at Akpowfu Forest in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Christmas Day.
The statement added: “During the clearance operation, troops engaged the dissidents in a fire fight compelling them to take to their heels, leading to the arrest of their leader.
“Troops recovered various items including one AK 47 rifle, one magazine containing 21 rounds of 7. 62 mm Special, one handset, amongst others.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for the successes recorded thus far, charged them to comb and clear all suspected hideouts of criminal elements in their Area of Responsibility.”
