The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said the second in command to Ikonso, the neutralised IPOB/ESN leader, Awurum Eze, has been arrested by security operatives in Aba in Abia.
This was disclosed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima in a statement in Abuja.
According to Yerima, the 48-year-old Eze, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo, had on May 4, escaped when operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed Isiala Mbano where he was hiding, adding that an intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him.
He further stated that Eze was eventually apprehended on Wednesday in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.
Yerima said further: “Awurum Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than three months.
“Many of the arrested IPOB/ESN had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second in Command to late Ikonso.
“According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu.
“He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”
