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Tag: IPOB

  • IPOB–Military founder, commanders in our custody

    IPOB–Military founder, commanders in our custody

    Troops of the Nigerian military attached to Operation Udoka in the Southeast zone of the country have reportedly arrested a founding father of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The troops also arrested at least three notorious leaders of IPOB/ESN during raids on the group’s hideouts in Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku and Arochukwu in Abia State.

    Edward Buba, the Director, Defence Media Operations, who disclosed this at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday stated that the troops also neutralised 24 terrorists and arrested 12 violent extremists.

    Buba, a Major-General revealed that the soldiers rescued one kidnapped hostage, adding that arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions to be taken.

    He explained that the raids were carried out in furtherance of the fight to rid the nation of insecurity and take out commanders and leaders of terrorists’ gangs as well as their foot soldiers.

    “Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader. The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State.

    “Similarly, troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu. He was arrested in Mbano LGA of Abia State.

    “Relatedly troops and security forces in a combined sting operation arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock. He was arrested with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu in Abia State,” he disclosed.

    The senior military officer noted that the adversaries engaged the troops in a gun duel during the raid but they were finally overpowered and suppressed with superior fighting equipment.

    He added, “Troops of Operation Udoka neutralised 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

    “Troops recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items.

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

    “Between 15 and 18 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Obubra LGAs of Imo and Cross River states respectively.

    “Troops also made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.”

     

  • Justice Binta Nyako withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial

    Justice Binta Nyako withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial

    Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, recused herself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

    Justice Nyako withdrew from the case following oral applications by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, upon resumed hearing in the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

    At the resumed hearing, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said the matter was got continuation of trial and he was ready to proceed.

    But Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, asked the court to adjourn the trial due to two pending appeals challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

    Awomolo argued that a criminal trial cannot be stalled because of a pending appeal and that the defence should file for a stay of proceedings at the appellate court.

    The judge stated that the parties should not delay the matter, having ruled that the court would not attend to any applications until the end of the trial.

    Ejimakor insisted it was inappropriate to continue with the trial when he had not adequately prepared his client.

    He asserted that all court orders directing that his client should be allowed to prepare for his defence had allegedly been disobeyed.

    Justice Nyako then directed that a prosecution witness be called.

    While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu stood up from his seat in the dock and ordered him (Ejimakor) to sit down in anger.

    “Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu screamed from the dock.

    He insisted that the Supreme Court had ruled that his fundamental rights should not be violated by the detaining authority, especially regarding access to his lawyers.

    Turning to Justice Nyako, the IPOB leader said: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

    “I can understand it if the DSS refuse to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.

    “I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case,” Kanu stated.

    But Awomolo countered the argument on the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered in 2023.

    He argued that the apex court mandated the lower court to proceed with the hearing and determination of Kanu’s trial.

    He stated that Kanu’s claims did not align with the Supreme Court’s verdict.

    “This is clearly an incompetent and audacious observation,” Awomolo said.

    The judge responded that, as far as she was concerned, there was nothing in the Supreme Court’s lead judgment that supported Kanu’s assertion.

    She expressed surprise that Kanu would stand up and yell at his counsel.

    “I hereby recuse myself from this case and remit the file to the Chief Judge for further necessary action,” Nyako stated.

    The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.

    Awomolo expressed his appreciation to the judge, lamenting that it was a very unfortunate day.

  • Army condemns torture of ex-soldier by IPOB

    Army condemns torture of ex-soldier by IPOB

    The Nigerian Army has condemned the torture of an ex-soldier, retired Cpl. Toriola Adewale, by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the video of the torture was being circulated by the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of IPOB, Simon Ekpa.

    He said the victim, who retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago, was obviously subjected to brutal torture by the so called IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army.

    According to him, Adewale was also forced to deliver messages to active military personnel urging them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities and abandon their duties.

    “This defenceless citizen was further compelled to falsely claim he was treated well while being held captive.

    “It must be unequivocally stated that the claim by IPOB and its terrorist leader that ex-Cpl. Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is far from the truth.

    “This outrageous propaganda by IPOB terrorist group is undoubtedly an attempt to justify their savage mistreatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously.

    “Such dehumanising acts must be condemned in the strongest terms by the international community.

    “The Nigerian Army therefore urges all Nigerians to disregard this malicious video and stand united against the vile acts of terrorism perpetrated against Nigerians, and particularly, the law-abiding people of South East by IPOB terrorists.”

    Nwachukwu said that majority of Nigerians in the South East and across the nation had rejected the criminal propaganda of IPOB.

    According to him, the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the Southeast and other parts of the country.

    He added that the recent annihilation of key terrorist leaders in identified terrorists’ strongholds was clearly indicative of this commitment.

    “The savage treatment of innocent citizens like ex-Cpl. Toriola and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity.

    “We call on all relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for these heinous crimes.

    “The Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel from such terror.

    “The villainous acts of terror by Simon Ekpa and his accomplices must come to an end, as justice will soon catch up with them.

    “They can run, but they cannot hide forever,” he added.

  • Biafra: IPOB calls for referendum

    Biafra: IPOB calls for referendum

    On Monday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declared that Ndigbo are ready to exit Nigeria.

     

    IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, stated that those calling for “IgboMustGo” should push for a referendum to facilitate the exit of Ndigbos from Nigeria.

     

    This response followed an announcement by a user on platform X, who revealed plans to force Igbos to leave Lagos State under the “IgboMustGo” banner. The user claimed a protest would take place from August 20 to 30 to support this cause.

     

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State condemned the planned protest, calling for unity instead.

     

    In a statement, Powerful said: “Following the provocative and genocidal ‘IgboMustGo’ proposed protest slated to commence from August 20-30th, 2024, by some faceless Yoruba groups and persons, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wish to remind the Yoruba anti-Igbo groups that Ndigbo are ready to exit Yoruba land and Nigeria via a referendum. Ndigbo will not succumb to any threat from any group or persons to leave any state or region in Nigeria.”

  • Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    The Eastern Security Network, ESN, a wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been accused of being responsible for the killing of two police officers and a civilian on Tuesday morning at Akabo in Ikeduru Council Area of Imo state.

    ESN was accused by the Imo state Imo State Police Command.

    This was made known by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye via a statement to newsmen in Owerri while reacting to the killings.

    Okoye said the command had deployed a Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources to apprehend the killers.

    “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

    “The tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

    “In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

    “Moreover, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

    “The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State,” the police said.

    Sympathizing with the affected families on the death of their loved ones, the Commissioner of Police assured them that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

    He called on all and sundry who may have any useful information that would assist in the ongoing investigation to bring the culprit to book to kindly report at the nearest Police Station.

  • Army sends out “fierce” warning after IPOB killed 5 soldiers in Aba

    Army sends out “fierce” warning after IPOB killed 5 soldiers in Aba

    The Military High Command has promised to bring overwhelming military pressure on the proscribed Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) over the killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint at Aba in Abia on Wednesday.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the military would be fierce in its response to the dastard act and would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.

    He said the troops of Operation UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia were  attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ESN.

    According to him, the troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist.

    He said the terrorist who were in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.

    “The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces. The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.

    “Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack. Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.

    “Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leave more to be desired.

    “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be  fierce  in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” he said.

  • Military confirms killing of five soldiers by IPOB in Abia

    Military confirms killing of five soldiers by IPOB in Abia

    The Nigerian Military has confirmed an attack on its troops by the terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    A statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, said the attack took place at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis, where troops of Operation Udoka were deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens.

    He said the terrorists who attacked the troops in the surprised attack came in three tinted Toyota Prado SUVs and others from built up areas surrounding the checkpoint.

    The military also confirmed that six civilians were killed in the cross-fire that ensued between the terrorists and the troops.

     According to Major General Buba, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack. The military also promised to retaliate the attack on its troops, vowing that their response would be brutal.

    “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN.

    “The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action.

    “The armed forces mourn the death of these troops as each, and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing concerning the attack.

    “Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people, and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.

    “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” the statement read.

     

  • South East Governors condemn attack on soldiers

    South East Governors condemn attack on soldiers

    The South East Governors’ Forum has condemned Thursday morning attack which left two Soldiers dead at a check point at Aba in Abia State.

    It was gathered that the attack, which occurred at Obikabia junction in Aba, was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a bid to enforce sit-at-home.

    They also burnt down security patrol vehicles while enforcing the sit-at-home directive meant to commemorate Biafra Day.

    Addressing newsmen in Owerri on Thursday, Chairman of the Forum, and Imo governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, described the attack as “unfortunate”.

    “On behalf of my brother governor’s in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts.

    “Without any provocation, they were attacked by the men of the underworld.

    “The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major set back to the peace process being pursued by the governors from the zone with the Federal Government, security agencies and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of security in the region,” he said.

    According to him, the incident will also portray our people in bad light as if we do not have sympathy for human beings.

    The governor condoled the Chief of Army Staff and the families of soldiers, who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

    “We here in the South East will ensure that we leave no stone unturned to ensure peace in the region needed for development,” he added.

    Uzodimma urged security agencies to go all out to ensure that those behind the dastardly act were caught and prosecuted.

    He noted that people of the South East, out of fear of the unknown and memories of the past, obeyed the directive of the proscribed group.

    He urged them, particularly those in Imo, to find courage and understand that a lot had gone to providing security for them.

    “We have peace in Imo; I want people to go about their businesses without fear of being molested by anyone.

    “We are after the perpetrators. Those who think we shouldn’t live should not live,” he said.

  • Biafra Day: Police tell Imo residents to disregard IPOB’s Sit-at-Home order

    Biafra Day: Police tell Imo residents to disregard IPOB’s Sit-at-Home order

    The Imo state police command has urged residents of Imo state to ignore sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafran Day and honour the fallen heroes who died fighting for the actualization of Biafran State.

    The call was made by the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma.

    He urged the citizens of the state to disregard the three-day sit-at-home order.

    The call was made via a press statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Henry Okoye, who informed that the Police Commissioner has urged citizens of the state to disregard the order and go about their lawful businesses without any fear of attack.

    The police spokesman further stated that IPOB and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), are making an empty threat as the command has positioned its men and officers at various strategic positions in readiness to respond to any breakdown of law and order.

    “Security operatives drawn from the Police, Military, Civil Defense, Road Safety, Immigration, and Fire Service have been massively deployed to embark on confidence-building patrols and Operation Show of Force across the 27 LGAs of the state to ensure public safety.

    “The Command, therefore, is using this medium to warn anybody intending to destabilize the improved peace and security in the state by attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order to better have a rethink as anyone caught in the act will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

    He enjoined the people of the state to be security conscious and swiftly report any suspicious person seen or clandestine activity observed within their vicinity to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines, 08034773600 or 08098880197.

    It may interest you to know that every May 30 is a day set aside by IPOB/MASSOB for the remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for the survival of the people of Biafra.

  • IPOB insists on May 30 Biafra Heroes Rememberance Day

    IPOB insists on May 30 Biafra Heroes Rememberance Day

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) has said there is no going back on its decision to commemorate Biafra Day in the South-East on May 30.

    According to the group, the day is set aside to honour those who died during the Civil War between 6 July 1967 and 15 January 1970.

    The pro-Biafra group said this in a statement released by its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “We wish to remind every person resident in Biafra territory that 30th May 2024 sit-at-home in commemoration of Biafra Heroes Day is sacrosanct and we obliged everyone to abide to this order, its only one day.”

    “As long as Biafra Land is concerned, IPOB remains a very important state actor on the issues concerning Biafra. The remembrance of all those who fought for Biafra freedom and sovereignty remains imperative, and no government or security agency has any authority to harass any innocent person during that event. We are urging all state governors in Biafra Land to ensure the safety of persons and properties on that day.

    “The Nigerian government must understand that they cannot stop us from mourning or remembering them.

    “Those who died in the defense of our land from the extermination agenda of Nigeria and British governments during the war of 1967- 1970 are worthy to be remembered and celebrated. We must continue to celebrate our heroes and heroines.”

    IPOB stressed that all activities in the South-East region are banned on 30th May, calling on the governors in the region to provide adequate security for lives and property on that day.

    “In this year’s Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day, all social activities in Biafra Land are banned. Markets, schools, banks, government and private businesses are not allowed to open,” the statement added.