The National Investigation Agency on Monday made its first arrest in connection with the killing of 18 Army personnel at Chandel in Manipur earlier this month.

Accused Abi Anal alias Ambison is a senior functionary of banned outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) that claimed to have carried out the ambush on June 4.

“The agency has arrested Ambison, who is the regional chairman of >NSCN(K) in Chandel. Investigations have revealed that the accused was deeply involved in the conspiracy to attack the Army personnel,” said an NIA officer.

According to the >NIA, Ambison had met the insurgents before they ambushed the Army convoy. “He was also in touch with the assailants before and after the attack,” said the officer.

The accused, a resident of Lambung in Chandel, was first arrested by the Imphal West district police commandos on June 11. The police zeroed in on him at a supermarket and arrested him. NIA probe revealed that he was also involved in the Chandel ambush case.

“His interrogation may lead to more arrests in the coming days,” the officer said.

The NIA has registered the case against the top leadership of NSCN (K) and its affiliates under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code.