Troops of the 82 Division, working with the Joint Task Force South-East, have arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network during clearance operations in Imo State. The operation also led to the recovery of improvised explosive devices and other security items in the region recently intensified.
Acting on credible intelligence linked to previous attacks on security personnel, troops arrested 28-year-old Onyebuchi Dara at Ehioma Junction in Orsu LGA. He was tracked and intercepted during a coordinated operation aimed at disrupting militant networks in the area under ongoing security crackdown operations.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly showed the suspect admitted being present during the killing of two soldiers, identified as retired MWO Linus Musa and Private Gloria Matthew, in the 2022 Ubaha–Orsu incident. Officials also said he had benefited from an amnesty programme but later went underground due to fear of a suspected armed group leader known as “Gentle the Yahoo.” In a separate clearance sweep along the Akwu–Udah axis, troops discovered five improvised explosive devices in an abandoned area.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts neutralised the devices at designated coordinates, preventing harm to troops and civilians. They also recovered uniforms, boots and items believed to support impersonation by criminal elements this week. Authorities confirmed that operations remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dismantle hostile cells and restore peace and security in the South-East while troops continue intelligence-driven patrols and community engagement to prevent further attacks and strengthen stability across affected local government areas.
