IPOB rejects disbandment of ESN

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a secessionist group advocating for the Biafra Republic’s independence from Nigeria, has declared that it will not dissolve its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

This assertion was communicated through a press release by IPOB’s spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, which was shared with journalists on Monday.

IPOB’s response was prompted by assertions made by Nigerian security agencies that the group had established camps in forests, and that security forces had recently dismantled these camps in parts of Anambra and other Southeastern states.

Dismissing these claims, IPOB maintained that it has no forest camps in the mentioned states, dismissing the allegations as government propaganda aimed at falsely linking the group to criminal activities. The group emphasized that it will firmly resist any such attempt.

Powerful underscored that ESN’s presence has played a crucial role in safeguarding the South East from the threats posed by rampaging Fulani herdsmen, who have caused turmoil in Benue and Plateau States.

“The primary goal of establishing ESN by our Supreme Leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU was to ensure the safety of farmlands in the East, a goal that has been achieved. Fulani terrorists parading as herdsmen have been effectively prevented from infiltrating our farmlands and territory,” Powerful stated.

He cautioned against misrepresenting ESN’s activities, as the group’s actions have shielded the entire South-East and South-South regions from the violent attacks carried out by killer herdsmen in other parts of the country. Powerful urged against trivializing the situation by associating alleged criminal hideouts with ESN.

Asserting that ESN operatives do not maintain criminal camps, Powerful expressed concern about attempts to undermine the group’s strength, potentially paving the way for a violent incursion into the East under the pretext of a farmer/herder conflict.

“ESN stands resolutely with the people of Biafra, and its objectives remain unswerving,” Powerful concluded.