Nigerian Army troops have arrested a notorious commander of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group, rescued 12 kidnapped victims, and neutralised terrorists in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 24 hours.
A source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations were carried out in synergy with sister services and security agencies.
According to the source, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade apprehended the IPOB/ESN kingpin at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. Items recovered include an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, military and police uniforms, a German flag, six phones, and a cartridge.
The operation also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale, while 10 motorcycles were destroyed.
In separate anti-kidnapping missions, troops rescued five victims in Madagali, Adamawa State; another five in Malumfashi, Katsina State; and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The source added that troops killed two terrorists in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle, while another violent extremist was neutralised in Benue with charms and a mobile phone recovered.
Additionally, 11 suspects were arrested in Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna for alleged armed robbery, gun-running, and extremist activities. Troops also recovered 40 rustled cattle in Plateau and returned them to their owners.
The source stressed that the successes were made possible through joint security collaboration, reaffirming the army’s commitment to supporting food security and socio-economic development by ensuring safer communities.