BY EDMOND ODOK – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) have announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist leader, Pius Iguh, identified as one of the founding fathers of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafran (IPOB), and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The suspect was nabbed at a location in Imo State during a sting operation by the troops of Forward Base Operation (FOB) in the South East Theatre.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who disclosed this at the bi-weekly press briefing on the Military operations in Abuja on Thursday said; “Troops continue to deepen operational successes across the various theatres of operation.
“For instance, in the South East theatre, troops at FOB Orsu conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader. The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of ESN group in Orsu general area of Imo State.”
He also said troops at FOB Amaruku accomplished another milestone success with the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu, during a raid
in Mbano Local Government Area of Abia State.
Similarly, the DHQ Spokesperson explained that a combined sting operation led to the capture of notorious cult leader Ifeanyi Rock, along with 10 of his combatants, in Arochukwu, Abia State.
Describing the Nigerian Military’s accomplishments during the week under review as quite remarkable, the Defence spokesman said troops also eliminated 140 terrorists and arrested 135 persons, significantly crippling terrorist networks, adding that about 18 perpetrators of oil theft were also apprehended while 76 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
He said these milestone successes recorded within the week underscore the military’s unwavering resolve and commitment to protect and secure every Nigerian citizen.
According to him, “An estimated value of N1,751,886,550.00 was denied to oil thieves, dealing a substantial financial blow to illicit activities.The military also recovered an impressive array of weaponry, including 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 assorted ammunition.
“Specifically, troops seized 141 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, two FN rifles, and 17 fabricated rifles, severely limiting terrorist firepower within the period under review.
“Other recovered items include 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 970 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 33 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, further crippling terrorist capabilities.
“In the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, and 47 illegal refining sites, effectively dismantling illicit oil operations.
He said within the period under review, the troops also recovered 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO, significantly disrupting the illicit oil trade”.
While reaffirming the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to defeating terrorism, the DHQ urged citizens to support government and security agencies’ efforts in denying terrorism any opportunity to thrive.
