Troops apprehend prison escapee in Enugu, eliminate ESN member, and seize firearms and contraband

Troops from Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA II, in collaboration with the Department of State Services in Enugu State, have arrested an escaped prisoner from Jos prison, Chimezie Chukwu, also known as Biggi. He was apprehended during a raid on a suspected hideout of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their armed faction, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ugbakwa Village, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Biggi is notorious for activities including drug peddling, gunrunning, and armed robbery. The military, in a statement represented by Lt. Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu on behalf of the Joint Task Force Operation, reported that they recovered from him six mobile phones, three mobile phone batteries, a Moniepoint POS and ATM card, two packs of suspected cannabis substances, and the sum of N107,280.

The suspect and the confiscated items are now in the custody of the Department of State Services for further investigation.

In a separate operation, troops from Sector 4 stationed at the Forward Operational Base in Okigwe, Imo State, while conducting checkpoint duties, identified a member of IPOB/ESN riding a motorcycle. When the troops ordered him to stop and dismount from the motorcycle, he attempted to flee. Despite multiple attempts to halt his escape, the troops had no choice but to use force to neutralize the suspect.

Items recovered from the individual included two live rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, an ITEL mobile phone, a small bag containing charms, a sum of Two thousand three hundred naira, and a Qlink motorcycle.

Additionally, troops from Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA II, acting on credible intelligence, conducted raid operations on suspected IPOB/ESN camps at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Upon arrival, it was evident that the camp had been deserted by the terrorist group. However, the troops discovered and secured three abandoned Sport Utility Vehicles, including two Toyota Highlanders and one Mercedes Benz ML 350. Efforts are underway to identify the owners of these vehicles.

Operation UDO KA II remains committed to addressing crime and criminality, in compliance with established rules and regulations governing its operations.