Insecurity: Two ESN Commanders Arrested In Enugu

Two commanders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been apprehended by the Nigerian Army in the Mgbowo community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by its spokesman, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army said the two IPOB/ESN commanders were arrested during a raid on Monday, November 1.

According to the Army spokesman, the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and would be prosecuted by the Federal Government.

Nwachukwu, however, denied IPOB’s claim that there was an incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid.

He stated that the joint operation was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.

The Army spokesman advised members of the public to disregard the group’s claim which is intended to mislead the public.

The statement reads: “Troops of Joint Security Team have raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area on 1 November 2021. During the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.”

“It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid. The joint operation in Agwu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.”

“The trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath of the night operation is not portraying the Agwu operation. It is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army. Meanwhile, 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 an investigation is completed.”

“Members of the public are advised to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public. We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner. Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated.”