Two Ipob and ESN ringleaders arrested in Enugu following Nigerian Army raid on their camp

NIGERIAN Army troops have arrested two Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (ESN) ringleaders in Enugu yesterday as part of a major clampdown against the separatists.

Created as the military wing of secessionist group Ipob, the ESN has taken on the responsibility of confronting armed Fulani herdsmen across the southeast geo-political zone. Of late, however, it has been accused of acts of bringandry, harassment of innocent citizens, acts of thuggery and raiding police stations to cart away weapons.

As a result, the security forces have stepped up operations against ESN, flooding Igboland with soldiers and carrying our sporadic raids on their jungle hideouts. Yesterday, troops raided the ESN camp at Mgbowo in Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State with Nigerian Army spokesman Major Abubakar Abdullahi, conforming that two of their ringleaders were arrested as a result.

Major Abdullahi said there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid. He noted that the trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath were not during the Agwu operation.

“Investigation into the video is ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved. Any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly.

"Updates will be communicated when investigation is completed. Those arrested are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency,” Major Abdullahi added.