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General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, announced on Tuesday that the capture of pro-Biafran activist Simon Ekpa in Finland has substantially mitigated insecurity within the South-East region. According to him, the development represents a milestone in curbing separatist activities that have exacerbated tensions and disrupted peace in the area.
He pointed out that the Defence Headquarters’ unveiling of Operation Udoka has started yielding positive results, bringing a semblance of normalcy back to the South-East. The initiative, according to Musa, reflects a commitment to countering insecurity and creating an environment conducive to lasting peace.
The Chief of Defence Staff gave these comments while engaging members of the House Committee on Defence on Tuesday. During the session, where he defended the proposed 2025 defence budget, he responded to questions about the progress of military operations and the broader strategy to maintain national stability.
In 2024, the Defence Headquarters initiated Operation Udoka, a military campaign designed to address the escalating insecurity in the South-East. This insecurity, largely attributed to the agitation for an independent Biafran nation, had created widespread unrest, prompting a decisive response from the armed forces.
Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra based in Finland, was arrested in November 2024 by Finnish security agents owing to his violent and inciting campaigns on radio and social media.
Briefing lawmakers on Tuesday, the defence chief said, “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the tension in the South-East has greatly reduced. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership of these groups, taking them out and making sure that the place is peaceful.
Read also: More Woes As Finnish Govt Freezes Simon Ekpa’s Assets
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, like I always say, that we need local support because, without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”
The four-star General also pledged the continuous deployment of non-kinetic approaches to tackling the insecurity challenges in the region.
“We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere during the last holidays was kept peaceful. That has happened and we intend to do that and continue to do more. What we try to encourage is synergy in our operations.
“And like we always appeal, Nigerians must take ownership of their armed forces; they have to take ownership of the security challenges we are facing. It’s not a challenge for the armed forces alone or security agencies; it’s everybody’s responsibility,” he added.
