The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the arrest of a wanted Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) commander, Eze Adeire, popularly known as Ikuku, along with four accomplices.

According to the DHQ, the arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted between February 8 and 12 across Ahoada and Etche Local Government Areas of Rivers State, and Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed in a statement on Friday that troops also apprehended a notorious gunrunner with several locally fabricated rifles in Ahoada.

In addition, the Defence spokesperson said troops thwarted a significant oil theft, destroying nine illegal refineries, arresting 11 oil thieves, and seizing assorted arms and ammunition.

Operations under Operation Udo Ka in Ebonyi State also led to the arrest of eight terrorists and the recovery of a large cache of weapons during cordon-and-search operations in the forested areas of Amasiri, Ezekwu Ohaechara, and Obi communities in Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local Government Areas.

Onoja affirmed the military’s commitment to denying terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to operate anywhere in the country. He praised the resilience, determination, and sacrifice of troops, who continue to work tirelessly to safeguard national peace and security.

He further urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies, emphasizing that public cooperation remains critical to securing a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.