Wanted IPOB/ESN Terrorist Simon Akpoke Arrested in Ogun State Hideout
The Ogun State Police Command has successfully apprehended Simon Chukwumeoru Akpoke, alias "Iron," a wanted member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group. The arrest took place at his hideout in Ijebu-Igbo, located within the Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on March 29, 2026.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Arrest Details
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), disclosed this development during a news conference held on Friday. He emphasized that the arrest was a result of credible intelligence and that Akpoke had been documented on the wanted list of the 82 Division in Enugu. "The suspect is documented on the wanted list of 82 Division Area of Responsibility," Onoja stated, highlighting the coordinated efforts between security agencies.
Additional Arrests of Medical Support Personnel
In a related operation, two nurses who were providing medical treatment to wounded IPOB members were arrested on March 31, 2026. Troops, in collaboration with the Anti-Violence Group, tracked and apprehended one of the nurses at a checkpoint in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Preliminary investigations revealed that this suspect was responsible for offering medical care at a terrorist camp situated in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The other nurse, identified as Miss Ezinna Anthonia, was captured in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to Onoja, Anthonia confessed to being the principal nurse tasked with treating injured IPOB/ESN terrorists after encounters with security forces. She also confirmed her membership in the proscribed group. Notably, Ngozi Orabueze, the so-called prime minister of IPOB, inadvertently corroborated Anthonia's affiliation by posting her photograph on her X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Impact on Terrorist Networks and Broader Security Operations
Onoja described these arrests as a significant blow to the medical and logistical support networks that sustain IPOB/ESN operations in the South East region. He further revealed that operations conducted by troops across various theatres between March 30 and April 2, 2026, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists. Over 20 suspects, including terrorists, collaborators, arms couriers, illegal miners, and drug traffickers, were arrested, and multiple kidnapped civilians were rescued during this period.
Commitment to National Security and Call for Public Support
The DMO assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain unwavering in their constitutional mandate to protect all citizens and secure the nation's sovereignty. Onoja quoted Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who appealed to Nigerians, community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to continue supporting the armed forces by providing timely and credible intelligence on terrorist activities, criminal gangs, and economic saboteurs.
