IPOB Hails ‘Historic’ Jerusalem Meeting With Israeli Lawmakers, Renews Push For Independent Biafra
IPOB Hails ‘Historic’ Jerusalem Meeting With Israeli Lawmakers, Renews Push For Independent Biafra
The separatist group said the engagement marked a significant step in its international diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing its campaign for the restoration of an independent Biafra.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed appreciation to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, following what it described as a “historic” meeting between its delegation and senior Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB specifically thanked the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Nissim Vaturi, and Deputy Chairman of the Knesset and member of its Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Limor Son Har-Melech, for what it described as a warm and productive reception.
The separatist group said the engagement marked a significant step in its international diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing its campaign for the restoration of an independent Biafra.
According to IPOB, the discussions reflected what it described as its leader Nnamdi Kanu’s long-held belief that Biafra’s quest for self-determination would be strengthened through strategic partnerships with Israel and the United States.
“The constructive discussions in Jerusalem powerfully echo the longstanding conviction of our leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that Biafra’s redemption will be advanced through strategic partnerships with Israel and the United States of America, rooted in shared values of justice, liberty, and human dignity,” the statement said.
The group also claimed that the Jewish and Biafran peoples share historical experiences of persecution, displacement and discrimination, adding that Israel’s establishment as a state in 1948 serves as an inspiration to its movement.
IPOB further alleged that Judeo-Christian communities and other minorities are facing systematic attacks in Nigeria and argued that the creation of an independent Biafra would provide a secure homeland for persecuted minorities.
It maintained that the restoration of Biafra remained “the only viable and lasting solution,” claiming it would promote peace, security and stability through respect for human rights, self-determination and international law.
The group said it would continue its advocacy in Washington, D.C., and other international capitals while remaining committed to what it described as lawful diplomacy and peaceful engagement.
IPOB also reiterated its commitment to a non-violent campaign, the rule of law and international engagement in pursuit of its objective.
IPOB, which is seeking the secession of Nigeria’s South-East region to create the Republic of Biafra, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government, a classification the group rejects.
Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is serving a life sentence after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on terrorism-related charges in November 2025. He has appealed the conviction and sentence.
