Nigerian Separatist Groups, IPOB and ESN, Express Worries Regarding Suspected Profiling by Nation's Security Agencies
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the rights of the Biafran people, has expressed concerns over being linked to criminal activities by Nigerian security agencies. In a statement released by IPOB's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group emphasized its commitment to lawful and peaceful advocacy and reaffirmed its stance on self-determination while rejecting any form of criminality.
IPOB questioned the disparity in how such incidents are treated across regions and urged the Nigerian authorities to avoid generalizations and ensure justice based on evidence and due process. The group raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of claims linking IPOB to criminal activities, specifically pointing to the recent arrest of a woman impersonating a soldier in Katsina State. IPOB insisted that incidents involving impersonation or criminal activity should be handled with the same level of scrutiny and fairness, regardless of where or by whom they occur.
Recent examples of security operations targeting IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have resulted in mass arrests and rescues in Imo and Anambra states, raids in Delta State, and seizures of weapons, explosives, and funds supporting IPOB/ESN [1][2][3][4]. The investigation processes involve joint operations by anti-kidnapping units, military tactical squads, intelligence-led raids, interrogation of suspects to identify wider criminal networks, and profiling of detainees for evidence and prosecution [1][2][3][4].
Legally, IPOB and ESN are proscribed groups in Nigeria, classified under terrorism and criminal syndicate laws. Arrested suspects face charges related to terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, and child trafficking. However, IPOB officially denies the existence of ESN camps outside certain areas and challenges the Nigerian military's claims in courts, labeling such allegations as biased and unsubstantiated unless proven in competent jurisdiction [5].
In a call for a balanced and objective approach to law enforcement, guided by facts and Nigeria's laws and constitution, IPOB stressed its demand for an end to the unfair criminalization of its members. The group reiterated its request for justice in all matters involving its members and called for the authorities to refrain from associating it with criminal acts without proper legal procedures.
This reflects an intensified security response amidst ongoing allegations of linkage between IPOB/ESN and violent crimes, with significant operational impacts but also contested narratives on legal and human rights grounds.
References:
[1] Premium Times (2025). "Nigerian military seizes weapons, arrests hundreds in Imo State". Premium Times. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/471609-nigerian-military-seizes-weapons-arrests-hundreds-in-imo-state.html
[2] Vanguard (2025). "Arrests, rescues, and seizures: The ongoing crackdown on IPOB/ESN in Nigeria". Vanguard. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/arrests-rescues-and-seizures-the-ongoing-crackdown-on-ipob-esn-in-nigeria/
[3] Sahara Reporters (2025). "Nigerian troops dismantle logistics networks supporting IPOB/ESN". Sahara Reporters. Retrieved from https://www.saharareporters.com/2025/08/05/nigerian-troops-dismantle-logistics-networks-supporting-ipob-esn
[4] The Guardian (2025). "Delta State raids result in arrests of IPOB/ESN collaborators". The Guardian. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/delta-state-raids-result-in-arrests-of-ipob-esn-collaborators/
[5] The Cable (2025). "IPOB challenges military's claims in court, demands evidence". The Cable. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/ipob-challenges-militarys-claims-in-court-demands-evidence
- IPOB, in a statement regarding criminal activity associations, questioned the discord in accusation treatment across regions and advocated for the Nigerian authorities to avoid generalizations, ensuring justice based on evidence and due process.
- Addressing the alleged link between IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to violent crimes, IPOB stated its demand for a balanced, objective approach to law enforcement guided by facts and Nigeria's laws and constitution, and called for an end to the unfair criminalization of its members.
- Amidst ongoing allegations, IPOB raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of claims associating it with criminal activities and specifically pointed towards the recent arrest of a woman impersonating a soldier in Katsina State, urging that incidents involving impersonation or criminal activity should be handled with the same level of scrutiny and fairness.
