[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Nyo Twan Awng was born Zaw Myo Thet on 4 March 1981 in Kyaukpyu, Rakhine State, Myanmar.

[8][9] In 2009, during his House Surgeon Internship Training in Thingangyun Sanpya General Hospital, Yangon, he was under surveillance by စအဖ Sa Ah Pha (Special Intelligent Police Force) of Myanmar Police Force because of his underground UG activities in political movements.

He characterised his group's January 4 independence day attack on four police stations as a defensive action in response to a build-up of Tatmadaw forces in northern Rakhine State.

He also pointed to the Tatmadaw's announcement on December 21, 2018, that it was suspending operations in five regional commands in northern Myanmar until April 30 as further evidence of an imminent campaign.

[10] In June 2018, Nyo attended the second Panglong Conference in Naypyidaw, meeting with government officials to discuss the peace process for the decade-long conflict in the country.