Military Arrests Wanted IPOB Member, Two Nurses In Ogun State

Military operatives have arrested one of the nost wanted member of the proscribed Indegeous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), identified as Simon Chukwumeoru Akpoke alias “Iron”, in Ijebu area of Ogun State.

The suspect who is a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was picked up in his hideout at Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government area of the State.

Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, who made this known at a news conference, said Akpoke was arrested on March 29.

Onaja explained that the suspect who has been on the wanted list of 82 Division Enugu was arrested following credible intelligence.

He added that the suspect has been documented on the wanted list of 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

According to him, Akpoke was arrested alongside two nurses treating the wounded members of IPOB were arrested on March 31.

“The troops, in conjunction with the Anti-Violence Group, trailed and apprehended one of the nurses at a checkpoint in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, saying that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a nurse responsible for providing medical treatment at a terrorist camp located at Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Onoja said the other, identified as Miss Ezinna Anthonia, was nabbed at Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to the DMO, Anthonia confessed to being the principal nurse responsible for treating wounded IPOB/ESN terrorists following every encounter with security forces.

“She confirmed her membership of the proscribed group. Significantly, the so-called prime minister of the proscribed group, Ngozi Orabueze, subsequently posted the suspect’s photograph on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, inadvertently corroborating her affiliation with the group.

“These arrests represent a significant blow to the medical and logistical support networks sustaining IPOB/ESN operations in the South East.”

Onoja revealed that the operations conducted by troops across all theatres between 30 March and 2 April 2026 led to the killing of several terrorists.