Will Nnamdi Kanu’s Release End South-East Insecurity? Soludo Doubts Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has cast doubt on whether releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would bring an end to the persistent insecurity in the South-East region. Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing in Amawbia, the governor highlighted how criminal elements have exploited the Biafran agitation to fuel organized crime and destabilize the region. Criminals Exploiting the Biafran Struggle Governor Soludo noted that what began as a call for liberation has been hijacked by criminals engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other unlawful activities. He described these actions as “lucrative criminality,” emphasizing that they have no connection to the original Biafran struggle. “These so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs,” Soludo stated. “They hide in forests, kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, and justify their actions under the pretext of Biafra. But make no mistake—this is driven by greed, not a genuine liberation effort.” Doubts Over Kanu’s Influence on Criminal Gangs Soludo expressed skepticism about whether Nnamdi Kanu’s release could influence the criminals operating in the region. According to him, many of these groups no longer align with IPOB’s ideology and have shifted focus to amassing wealth through crime. “Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo said. “Even if Kanu is released today, these criminals are unlikely to listen because they are motivated by greed, not liberation. They’ve become enemies of the people they claim to protect.” Alarming Statistics and Community Complicity The governor revealed that over the past two years, more than 99% of the criminals arrested in Anambra were Igbo, with over 70% being non-indigenes of the state. He also criticized some communities for aiding these criminals by providing them with food and shelter while viewing security agencies as adversaries. “Our people know these criminals—they’re our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” Soludo lamented. “In some communities, locals sustain them, which makes fighting insecurity even harder. How do you defeat crime when criminals are seen as heroes and security operatives as enemies?” Operation Udo Ga Chi: Anambra’s New Security Initiative To combat rising insecurity, Soludo announced a state-wide security initiative called ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), set to launch after January 25. The program will include: The governor also extended an olive branch to criminals, urging them to embrace the ongoing amnesty program, which is available until the end of February. Call for Collective Responsibility Soludo stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective action. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents to take charge of their communities and cooperate with security agencies. “Insecurity is a monster we must confront together,” Soludo stated. “If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals hiding under the guise of freedom fighting.” Appreciation for Federal Support He thanked the Federal Government and security agencies for their assistance in combating crime in the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in Anambra. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra agitator, was recently arrested in Finland following sustained diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government. Finnish authorities linked him to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria, marking a significant move against transnational actors influencing unrest in the country. Diplomatic Pressure Leading to Arrest According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Simon Ekpa’s arrest was the result of consistent diplomatic efforts by Nigerian officials. The request for action featured prominently in high-level discussions between the two nations. “The arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-east of Nigeria,” Ebienfa stated. Finnish authorities confirmed that Ekpa was detained alongside four others on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activities. They attributed his actions to violence and crimes against civilians in the South-east, a region struggling with growing insecurity. Simon Ekpa’s Role and Activities Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB has been advocating for an independent Biafra state carved out of Nigeria’s South-east. Previously associated with the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB, Ekpa was once named the director of Radio Biafra. However, he was removed from the role after reportedly refusing to comply with the group’s operational rules. Following his dismissal, Ekpa formed the Autopilot faction, claiming it was sanctioned by Kanu before his arrest. Through his faction, Ekpa has declared himself the “prime minister” of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). He also established the Biafra Liberation Army, a militant group allegedly linked to attacks and killings in southeastern Nigeria. IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa In response to Ekpa’s arrest, IPOB publicly disowned him, distancing the group from his activities. IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful clarified: “Simon Ekpa was never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB. IPOB has family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or globally.” Despite these denials, Ekpa has openly claimed responsibility for various attacks in the South-east. Finnish police have similarly accused him of inciting violence through social media platforms. The Significance of the Arrest The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed Ekpa’s arrest as a critical development in curbing the influence of transnational actors on national security. Ebienfa emphasized that the government would closely monitor legal proceedings and continue to update the public on the case. Conclusion Simon Ekpa’s arrest underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing cross-border threats. While his detention marks a victory in Nigeria’s fight against separatist violence, it also highlights the challenges of addressing the broader unrest in the South-east.
