The Nigerian Army on Sunday said its troops under 82 Division arrested a notorious leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement gave the name of the IPOB leader as Godwin Nnamdi. He said his arrest was made in conjunction with other security agencies while the army was conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN. He added that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commended the troops for the successes recorded thus far.

COAS also charged the troops to comb and clear all suspected hideouts of criminal elements in their area of responsibility.

Hear him: “The IPOB leader was arrested 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 Saturday 25 December 2021.

“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.”