The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong statement to the Enugu State government, demanding an end to what it describes as misleading associations between IPOB and a group led by Finland-based Simon Ekpa. IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, made it clear that the group and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have no connections with Ekpa’s “Autopilot” fighters, who they refer to as “criminals.”
The controversy began when the Enugu State government, through a statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office, reported that 27 suspected kidnappers allegedly connected to the ESN were killed by security forces over a two-week period. According to the state’s claims, these individuals were involved in violent clashes with security operatives across Enugu.
However, IPOB swiftly countered these claims, labeling them as “false and propaganda.” Emma Powerful criticized the state government for allegedly using these incidents to unjustly implicate IPOB and its operatives in criminal activities. “The criminals captured have clearly stated their affiliations, which are not with IPOB or ESN,” he emphasized, arguing that the Nigerian government and its security agencies should cease associating these individuals with IPOB.
IPOB has consistently maintained that it has no links to Simon Ekpa or his followers. According to Emma Powerful, IPOB and ESN operate strictly under the guidance of the Directorate of States (DOS) of IPOB, and any claims suggesting otherwise are “baseless.” He further clarified, “IPOB has no factions or affiliates; if it’s not IPOB, it’s not IPOB.”
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Emma Powerful also reiterated that the ESN is a disciplined security outfit focused solely on protecting local farmers from external threats such as terrorists and herdsmen. “Our operatives have never been involved in criminal activities or threatened the peace of the South-East region,” he said, defending the reputation of the ESN.
IPOB’s statement serves as a stern warning to the Enugu State government to desist from linking its organization with actions and groups that do not align with its objectives. “The Enugu State government and the Nigeria Police should stop their unnecessary blackmail against IPOB and focus on accurately identifying the true criminals,” Powerful urged.
As the situation develops, IPOB remains firm in its position, distancing itself from Simon Ekpa and his faction, which it labels as “double agents.” The group continues to advocate for its mission of defending its communities while calling for an end to what it sees as malicious misrepresentation by state authorities.
