Nigerian Army, DSS Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Explosives Expert in Abia Raid

A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the arrest of a suspected explosives-making expert allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Abia State.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of July 12, targeted a hideout in Ummuene community, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence on the suspect’s alleged activities.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, citing security sources in a post on X, said troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, worked alongside DSS operatives from the Abia and Enugu State Commands to execute the raid at about 3:50 a.m.

According to the sources, the operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who is believed to have served as an explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network.

“The operation led to the arrest of the suspect, described as an alleged explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network,” the sources said.

Security operatives also recovered two mobile phones from the suspect during the operation.

The sources disclosed that both the suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and other necessary actions.

Officials said the arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations designed to disrupt the activities of criminal and extremist groups operating across the South-East.

“The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led security operations aimed at dismantling criminal and extremist networks operating in the South-East,” the sources added.

The latest operation underscores continued collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies as security forces intensify efforts to curb insurgent and separatist-linked activities in the region.