The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of another top commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The IPOB personnel, identified as Awurum Eze is the second in command to the late IPOB/ESN militant leader Ikonso Don.
He was arrested by security operatives in Aba, Abia State, Naija News understands according to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesman for the Nigerian Army, Mohammed Yerima.
He is understood to be the only one apart from the late Ikonso who has a direct line of communication with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“The 48-year old, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano LGA, Imo State, had on the 4th of May 2021 escaped when operatives of Intelligence Response Team, IRT, stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.”
“Intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him. He was eventually apprehended on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.”
“Mr Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than 3 months.”
“Many of the arrested IPOB /ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second in Command to late Ikonso.”
“According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu.”
“He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.”
“Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.” Yerima said in a statement on Wednesday.
