The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has clarified that it does not intend to compel Igbo individuals to leave the Nigerian Army or other security forces. In response to allegations made by the Nigerian Army, IPOB has rejected claims that its members were involved in the abduction and assault of a soldier assigned to monitor the Biafra movement.
On Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s Director of Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, accused IPOB leader Simon Ekpa of disseminating a video that purportedly depicts the mistreatment of retired Corporal Toriola Adewale. The Army condemned the alleged actions, attributing them to IPOB members.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful described these allegations as unfounded propaganda and characterized the purported assault as a staged incident by the Nigerian Army leadership. He asserted that the video involving a soldier claiming to be forced to demand the resignation of Biafran soldiers is a fabricated narrative.
Powerful emphasized that IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, countering the Army’s efforts to link them with him to undermine the group’s credibility. He stated, “The Directorate of State of IPOB aims to refute the Nigerian Army’s fabricated propaganda that peaceful IPOB activists captured a soldier sent to Biafraland for surveillance.”
He further reaffirmed, “While IPOB encourages Biafrans in Nigerian security agencies to consider resigning, we do not and will not forcibly compel anyone to act against their will.”
Powerful argued that IPOB operates on principles of respect and reasoning, highlighting that the organization seeks a Biafra founded on guaranteed rights. He criticized the Nigerian Army’s narratives, asserting that they aim to distract from ongoing violence against the Igbo people.
Powerful confirmed that IPOB does not engage in armed conflict or possess a military force, maintaining that the group operates only the Eastern Security Network, which is focused on addressing threats from Fulani militants.
He concluded by addressing the Army’s calls to international bodies, deeming them baseless. “These organizations recognize IPOB’s stance on self-determination and have acknowledged our non-violent approach. The Nigerian government’s attempts to delegitimize IPOB should cease, as our respect for international law is not a weakness,” he stated.
