Reports indicate that over 100 suspects linked to the attack by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) on a military checkpoint in Abia State, which resulted in the deaths of five people, have been arrested by troops from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that after some investigations, troops released those not likely to be involved in the attack.
Buba mentioned that at least nine soldiers were killed by non-state actors across the country in June alone. He did not disclose the number of suspects currently in custody but noted that they are assisting the military in their operations.
On May 30, 2024, suspected IPOB and ESN members attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in Obingwa local government area, near Aba in Abia State.
The military high command confirmed the deaths of five soldiers and six civilians in a statement, vowing to retaliate. Two weeks after the attack, Buba informed journalists that troops had discovered and destroyed several IPOB/ESN camps in the region, including one in Igboro Forest in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State, following several intelligence-based operations.
He said, “several arrests were made from the raids with those found to be culpable still in detention. Surely, there is intelligence value to the raids and arrest that were made. Those in detention are assisting troops to locate other camps, sleeper cells and high profile individuals involved in the activities of the terrorists group.”