The Nigerian Army has given details of how the second in command to Ikonso, the neutralised IPOB/ESN  leader, Awurum Eze, was arrested by security operatives in Aba in Abia.

Eze who was known to have taken over the command of the IPOB/ESN group following the death of Ikonso had escaped from his temporary abode in Imo State when security operatives stormed the place.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that the 48 years 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.

He said that intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him.

According to him, Eze was eventually apprehended on Wednesday in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.

“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 terrorists 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,” he said.