DHQ says, IPOB members behind killing of police officers in Akwa Ibom arrested

By our reporter| The Defence Headquarters on Thursday announced the arrest of some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) “involved in the killing and burning of policemen” in Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom is one of the states in the southern part of the country where targeting of security operatives, led to the killing of 11 security personnel.

In a statement on Thursday, Bernard Onyeuko, acting director, defence media operations, said the military has begun clamping down on the criminals.

“credible intelligence” led the military to the arrest of “IPOB/ESN members” who are said to be perpetrators of the attacks on security forces in the state, Onyeuko said.

“Troops in the Ikot Ekpene area arrested some IPOB/ESN members at Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom following credible intelligence on their activities in the area.”

“The suspects were identified to be part of the IPOB/ESN members involved in killing and burning of policemen and stations in the area.”

In a similar development, Onyeuko said soldiers fended off another attack from members of the proscribed group in Enugu.

“Relatedly, troops on May 23, repelled members of IPOB/ESN attack on troops at Amoka Village in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State,” he said.

“During the encounter, a member of the IPOB/ESN was neutralised in contact and some arms and ammunition were recovered.”