Nigerian troops arrest IPOB founding member amid rising tensions in South-East

Nigerian frontline troops have arrested Pius Iguh, a founding member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during an operation in Orsu, Imo State. This action comes amid mounting security challenges in the region.

In a related development, the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, led by Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, issued a warning to the Federal Government, demanding the return of all detained Biafrans to the South-East. The group has threatened to shut down federal courts in the region starting October 29, 2024, if their demand is not addressed.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military reported the successful elimination of approximately 140 terrorists across various operational theatres nationwide in the past week. Maj-Gen Edward Buba, spokesperson for Defence Media Operations, noted that these operations, which also led to the capture of 134 individuals involved in terrorist activities, underscore the armed forces’ commitment to counter-insurgency efforts and operational adaptability.

“Troops continue to deepen operational successes across the various theatres of operation. For instance, in the South East theatre, troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Orsu conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB leader. Identified as Pius Iguh, he is a founding father of ESN in the Orsu general area of Imo.

“Similarly, troops at FOB Amaraku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu. He was arrested in Mbano Local Council of Abia State.”

The Guardian gathered that during the week under review, the troops neutralised 140 and arrested 135 persons.

“Troops also arrested 18 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 76 kidnapped hostages. In the South South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated N1.75 billion. They also recovered 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 assorted ammunitions,” the DHQ stated.

The military assured that it would defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and in their hiding places for the country to flourish again, calling on citizens to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military and never to give terrorism any oxygen to thrive in the country.

EKPA, in a statement, yesterday, pointed out that the ultimatum, which is expected to last till October 27, 2024, was a decision of a meeting of October 24. He noted that the Nigerian judicial system contributed to the insecurity in the region by installing anti-people governors, citing Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo.

The Biafra agitator asked the judges of non-Biafran descent to leave the South East. He stated, “The Biafra government in an emergency cabinet meeting, today (Thursday), voted and approved a resolution to demand Nigerian government to return every Biafran being detained outside Biafraland within 72 hours. The 72 hours will expire on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

“Failing to adhere to this demand, the Biafra government also voted for the resolution to evict every non-Biafra judge and lock down the following institutions: Federal Government Courts of Appeal in Owerri, Awka, Enugu as well as all Federal High Courts and National Industrial Court in Biafraland.”

The Biafra government, according to him, resolved that these institutions brought anarchy, death, insecurity and instability instead of justice. Ekpa added, “It was these courts, which brought Uzodimma, that destroyed the lives of our women and children. These institutions will therefore be in lockdown indefinitely from October 29, 2024.

“Every judge that is not from Biafraland is hereby requested to go back to their region, as their security will no longer be guaranteed”, he stated.