Troops of the 82 Division and the Joint Task Force South-East have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), and recovered improvised explosive devices during clearance operations in Imo State. 

The information was contained in an operational report made available in Abuja on Monday.

The reports said the suspect, identified as Onyebuchi Dara (28), from the Etinasa community in Orsu Local Government Area, was arrested at Ehioma Junction following actionable intelligence linked to earlier attacks on security personnel.

The report said the suspect had previously benefited from an amnesty programme but went underground after reportedly fearing attacks from a suspected armed group leader known as “Gentle the Yahoo”.

“Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly admitted being present during the killing of two soldiers, retired MWO Linus Musa and Pte Gloria Matthew, at Ubaha–Orsu in 2022.

“He is currently in custody as investigations continue to track other suspects and dismantle remaining cells in the area. In a related operation, troops conducting clearance operations along the Akwu–Udah axis discovered five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in an area abandoned for years.

“The devices were safely neutralised by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts at designated coordinates, preventing potential harm to troops and civilians. Troops also recovered military and vigilante uniforms, boots and other items suspected to be used for impersonation and operational support by criminal elements,” it said.

The report further revealed that operations in the area were ongoing as part of sustained efforts to degrade hostile networks and restore security in the South-East. 

(NAN)