Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly rejected reports that troops of the Nigerian Army and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested a suspected explosives-making expert linked to the group's armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Abia State. In a press release issued on Monday, 13 July 2026, the group's Directorate of States dismissed the news as "false, misleading, and should be disregarded in its entirety."
The military had earlier reported the arrest through multiple news outlets, citing security analyst Zagazola Makama, who quoted security sources as saying the operation took place at about 3:50 a.m. on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at Ummuene Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. According to the reports, troops from the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, working alongside DSS operatives from Abia and Enugu State Commands, stormed the suspect's hideout following credible intelligence. The suspect was described as an alleged explosives-making specialist for the IPOB/ESN network. Two mobile phones were reportedly recovered from the suspect, who was then handed over to the DSS Abia State Command for further investigation and prosecution.
However, IPOB's statement, signed by Dr C. Okadigbo, Press Secretary of the Directorate of States, categorically denied the arrest. "No IPOB/ESN member or personnel was arrested in the said community in Isiala Ngwa South local government of Abia State in connection with manufacturing of any kind of explosives or arms and ammunition," the statement read. The group accused the Nigerian military of recycling old images and videos from unrelated incidents to justify heavy military presence in the region. "The images and videos often circulated with such reports have previously been recycled from unrelated incidents in different locations and occasions," the statement added.
IPOB further argued that the reports were part of a "recurring pattern of unverified claims used to justify heavy military presence and unlawful operations in Biafraland." The group insisted that the Eastern Security Network was formed as a community defence against attacks by Fulani terrorist herdsmen, and that labelling every security encounter as "IPOB/ESN" does not address the root causes of insecurity but only shields the real culprits. IPOB challenged the military to provide verifiable facts and allow independent media, human rights organisations, and civil society groups to investigate the claims freely. "Our people in Abia State and the entire Biafraland deserve the truth, due process and genuine security not propaganda," the statement concluded.
The conflicting accounts highlight the ongoing tension between security agencies and separatist groups in Nigeria's South-East region. While the military maintains that its operations are intelligence-led and aimed at dismantling criminal networks, IPOB continues to accuse the government of using false narratives to justify repression. As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Army and the DSS had not issued an official response to IPOB's denial.
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