IPOB Says Militants Commander ‘Emergency’ Declared Wanted By Nigerian Army Not Its Member
IPOB Says Militants Commander ‘Emergency’ Declared Wanted By Nigerian Army Not Its Member
The Nigerian Army had in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that its troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in the South-East and troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central, in offensive operations, arrested high-profile IPOB/ESN suspects in the South-East and Benue state.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disowned an alleged militants commander identified by the Nigerian Army as Mr Nwankwo Maduabuchi, popularly known as “Emergency”, saying that he is neither a member of the pro-Biafra movement nor its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said the Nigerian Army is using the said militant commander to blackmail the group.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the said Maduabuchi Nwankwo (a.k.a. Emergency) is not a member of IPOB, nor is he an operative of the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” the statement read.
“The Nigerian Army and other security agencies should desist from their habitual falsehood and stop dragging IPOB into their own state-sponsored criminal enterprises in the South-East.”
The Nigerian Army had in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that its troops of 34 Artillery Brigade in the South-East and troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central, in offensive operations, arrested high-profile IPOB/ESN suspects in the South-East and Benue state.
“In the South-East, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade executed a precision strike against IPOB/ESN elements at a known crossing point in Mbaïtoli Local Government Area of Imo State, neutralising three armed militants after a fierce exchange of fire,” the Army statement read.
“The encounter yielded the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one pump-action rifle, two BAOFENG communication radios and an IED battery, disrupting the group’s coordination hub in the area.
“Similarly, troops of 14 Brigade in Abia State apprehended a notorious enforcer of the illegal sit-at-home order, recovering two motorcycles, a knife and several ATM cards used in funding their illicit operations,” the statement added.
The military further stated, “In the North-Central region, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of four high-profile collaborators linked to the wanted IPOB/ESN commander Maduabuchi Nwankwo (aka Emergency) at Iballakwu village in Benue State.
“The suspects comprising the wife and brothers of the fugitive leader were found in possession of mobile devices used in coordinating logistics, procurement of materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and financial transfers in support of subversive operations.”
However, Powerful accused the Nigerian Army of trying to justify what it described as the military failures in tackling insecurity by maligning IPOB, calling the move “malicious and unprofessional.”
“The Nigerian Army’s desperation to link this criminal to IPOB is not only malicious and unprofessional but also exposes their moral bankruptcy and incompetence,” the IPOB spokesperson stated.
“Instead of focusing on their constitutional duty of protecting unarmed and defenceless citizens, they have reduced themselves to a propaganda outfit,” the statement added.
Powerful emphasised that IPOB members and ESN operatives were disciplined, law-abiding individuals committed to non-violent agitation for self-determination.
“Emergency and his wife have no connection whatsoever with IPOB or ESN,” he said.
“IPOB members are disciplined, law-abiding, and unarmed civilians committed to the peaceful pursuit of Biafran self-determination.
“Likewise, ESN operatives are well-organised vigilantes whose sole mission is to protect Biafran farmers and communities from state-protected Fulani terrorists,” he stated.
Powerful further insisted that no member of IPOB or ESN had been convicted of any crime either within or outside Nigeria, alleging that the government and its security agencies were bent on “demonising” the movement through “false narratives and sponsored media blackmail.”
“Their attempts to criminalise a legitimate self-determination movement will always fail,” IPOB insisted.
IPOB also criticised the Nigerian Army for its alleged inability to tackle widespread insecurity across the country, accusing it of focusing on propaganda rather than addressing “the real security threats.”
“The Nigerian Army should be ashamed of its inability to safeguard citizens from the incessant killings, kidnappings, and terror attacks across the country,” the statement said.
“Rather than wasting energy on blackmailing IPOB and ESN, they should combat the marauding terrorists and kidnappers holding Nigeria hostage.”
IPOB reiterated its commitment to a peaceful referendum on Biafra, stressing that its agitation was rooted in democracy and international law.
“Our demand for a peaceful referendum on Biafra is rooted in democracy, dialogue, and the right to self-determination guaranteed under international law,” Powerful said.
