Troops of Operation UDO KA have recorded a major operational breakthrough against criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), arresting wanted suspects and disrupting a critical medical and logistical support network sustaining terrorist activities in the South-East.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on ongoing military operations conducted across various theatres between 30 March and 2 April 2026, noting that the Armed Forces recorded significant gains, including the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, the arrest of over 20 suspects, and the rescue of multiple civilians from kidnappers and terrorist captivity.
In one of the key operations, troops acting on credible intelligence on 29 March 2026 apprehended a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist, Simon Chukwumeoru Akpoke, also known as “IRON”, at his hideout in the Ijebu-Igbo general area of Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Military authorities said the suspect is on the wanted list within the 82 Division Area of Responsibility.
In a separate operation on 31 March, troops working in conjunction with the Anti-Violence Group trailed and arrested another suspected IPOB/ESN member at a checkpoint in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a nurse allegedly responsible for providing medical treatment at a terrorist camp located in Umunze, Orumba South LGA of the state.
Further tightening the noose on the group’s support structure, troops acting on intelligence on the movement of a high-profile IPOB/ESN member carried out an operation in Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State, where they arrested Miss Ezinna Anthonia.
According to military authorities, the suspect confessed to being the principal nurse responsible for treating wounded IPOB/ESN fighters after clashes with security forces and also admitted to being a member of the proscribed group.
In what the military described as a significant corroboration of her links to the group, the so-called “Prime Minister” of the proscribed organisation, Ngozi Orabueze, reportedly posted the suspect’s photograph on her X handle, formerly known as Twitter, after the arrest.
Military authorities said the arrests represent a major blow to the medical and logistical support systems that have enabled IPOB/ESN cells to sustain operations in the South-East, stressing that troops remain committed to dismantling all terror-linked infrastructure and restoring security across the region.
