The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops under Operation Delta Safe have arrested a wanted commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN), identified as Eze Adeire, popularly known as Ikuku, alongside four other suspects.
According to the military, Ikuku was apprehended during coordinated offensive operations carried out between February 8 and 12 across Ahoada and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State, as well as Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement issued on Friday.
“Also a notorious terrorist’s gunrunner was apprehended with several locally fabricated rifles in Ahoada Local Government Area,” Onoja said.
He further disclosed that troops thwarted a significant oil theft operation within the week under review. Nine illegal refining sites were dismantled, while 11 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements were taken into custody. Assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
Onoja added that soldiers deployed under Operation Udo Ka arrested eight suspected terrorists and seized a large cache of weapons during cordon-and-search missions in forested communities of Amasiri, Ezekwu Ohaechara and Obi in Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
The defence spokesperson reaffirmed the military’s commitment to preventing terrorists and criminal groups from operating freely in any part of the country.
He said the outcomes of ongoing operations demonstrate the resolve, resilience and sacrifices of personnel working to safeguard national peace and security.
Onoja also reiterated the Armed Forces’ determination to protect lives and property while promoting stability and development nationwide.
“The continued support and cooperation of citizens remain vital to the overall success of our operations and the collective efforts to secure a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
