Army arrests IPOB leader in Enugu, recovers arm

The Nigerian Army has reacted to the Christmas Eve raid of Akpawfu Community in Nkanu East Council of Enugu State, saying it arrested one Godwin Nnamdi in the area.

It said: “Nnamdi is a notorious leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).”

In a statement issued, yesterday, by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, he said the raid was part of the Exercise Godden Dawn.

“Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and other security agencies, while conducting Exercise Golden Dawn arrested one Godwin Nnamdi, a notorious leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nkanu East Council.

“He was arrested during joint clearance operations at a camp suspected to be the fortress of IPOB/ESN elements located at Akpawfu forest in Nkanu East Council of Enugu State on Saturday, December 25, 2021.

“During the clearance operation, troops engaged the dissidents in a fire fight, which forced them to run away, leading to the arrest of their leader.

“Troops recovered various items including one AK 47 rifle, one magazine containing 21 rounds of 7.62mm special and one handset, among others.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending the troops for the successes recorded thus far, charged them to comb and clear all suspected hideouts of criminal elements in their area of responsibility.