The Nigerian Army says security agents have arrested a man said to be next in line to the killed IPOB Commander Ikonso.

Army spokesman Mohammed Yerima in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja disclosed that Awurum Eze was arrested in Aba after weeks of trailing.

Mr Eze, 48, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo, had earlier escaped on May 4 when operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed Isiala Mbano where he was hiding, Mr Yerima narrated.

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

According to him, Mr 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 links 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. 

(NAN)