IPoB Declares Stance Against Criminality, Vows to Protect South East
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) has reaffirmed its opposition to all forms of criminality and pledged to collaborate with local security outfits to rid the South East of criminal elements, just as it did against killer herdsmen in the region.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group—under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—vowed to take lawful actions to safeguard the region from external threats.
ESN’s Commitment to Security in the South East
The group highlighted the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as the only publicly recognized entity committed to defending Igboland, the South East, and the South-South from security threats. According to IPoB, ESN has been instrumental in preventing the infiltration of the region by ISWAP, Fulani herdsmen, and other extremist groups.
“The fact that every region in Nigeria is under siege by killer herdsmen, except the South East and South-South, is a testament to ESN’s effectiveness,” the statement read.
IPoB further accused some Igbo governors of siding with external forces seeking to weaken ESN, claiming that these politicians are working with figures who have previously advocated for the disbandment of the security network.
Criticism of Igbo Governors and Political Sabotage
The group criticized South East governors for allegedly failing to acknowledge ESN’s role in securing the region. It pointed out that while other regions, including Yorubaland, struggle with insecurity, the South East remains relatively secure due to ESN’s vigilance.
“Yoruba governors have openly lamented the invasion of their lands. Amotekun is scrambling to contain these threats, but in the East, ESN has done a stellar job in preventing the same invasion,” the statement noted.
The group accused some Igbo political elites of attempting to demonize ESN and link criminal activities to its operations as part of a larger plot to destabilize the movement for Biafra.
IPoB’s Stand Against Political Manipulation
IPoB dismissed allegations that ESN is responsible for insecurity in the region, arguing that crime in Igboland only escalated in 2022, two years after ESN was formed in 2020.
“If ESN were responsible for insecurity, why did crime not start in 2020? Why did insecurity in Igboland only intensify in 2022? The truth is that insecurity was introduced as a tool to blackmail IPoB and disband ESN,” the statement declared.
Call for Unity and Resistance
The pro-Biafra group maintained that Biafraland would never be conquered and warned against attempts by politicians, security agencies, and external forces to suppress the self-determination movement.
“We stand tall to tell them that Biafraland will never be subdued. The Igbo race will not be subservient to any external interest, regardless of the cost,” the statement asserted.
IPoB reiterated its commitment to justice, lawfulness, and security and pledged to work with local security groups to combat crime, while continuing its struggle for the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the pursuit of Biafra’s freedom through an UN-supervised referendum.
