Biafra: IPOB defies pressure, vows to retain Eastern Security Network – ESN

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a secessionist group at the forefront of advocating for the Biafra Republic’s separation from Nigeria, has boldly declared its commitment to maintaining its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). This announcement was made through a press release delivered by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, and subsequently shared with the media on Monday.

The statement from IPOB comes in response to recent assertions made by Nigerian security agencies, alleging the existence of IPOB camps nestled within forests. These agencies claimed that security forces had recently taken decisive action by dismantling a camp purportedly used by both IPOB and ESN in forested areas across Anambra and other Southeastern states.

Countering these claims, IPOB firmly rejected any allegations of forest-based camps within the mentioned states. The group dismissed these assertions as mere government-driven propaganda aimed at creating a false link between alleged criminal hideouts and the secessionist movement. The group’s spokesperson emphasized the resolute stance of IPOB, asserting that such attempts to tarnish their image would be met with opposition.

Mr. Emma Powerful went on to highlight the crucial role played by the Eastern Security Network in safeguarding the South East region. He pointed out that the ESN had played a pivotal role in preventing the encroachment of rampaging Fulani herdsmen, who had already gained significant control over areas like Benue and Plateau States.

“ESN exists to keep the East safe from the ravages of killer herdsmen now plaguing the entire middle belt and people like them.

“Since the launch of ESN by our Supreme Leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU, the main objective of ensuring the safety of farmlands in the East has been accomplished. Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen have had no locus to operate in our farmlands and territory.

“The mischievous mischaracterisation of the activities of ESN that saved the entire south-east and south-south from the murderous onslaught of killer herdsmen now ravaging Benue State and Plateau axis should not be trivialised by attributing any alleged criminal hideout to ESN.

“ESN Operatives have no criminal camps. We know there is a concerted effort by those seeking the weakening of ESN in order to launch a murderous invasion of the East under the guise of a farmer/herder clash.

“Had it not been for ESN, Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen would have taken Enugu, Anambra Ebonyi, Imo and Abia States.

“ESN has come to stay with Biafrans and nothing will change the objectives of the outfit,” Powerful stated.