The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through its Directorate of State (DOS), has expressed profound appreciation to the operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) for their continued efforts in safeguarding lives and properties across Biafran land.

In a statement signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group lauded ESN for curbing the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements.

The statement emphasized the critical role ESN has played since its establishment in 2020, describing the outfit as the “iron dome” for Biafrans.

IPOB credited ESN’s efforts with reducing the impact of the kidnapping epidemic in the South-East and South-South regions, as highlighted in the latest statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the NBS 2024 report, over 2.2 million Nigerians were kidnapped between 2023 and 2024, with ransoms amounting to over ₦2.2 trillion. IPOB attributed the proliferation of kidnappings and terrorism in Nigeria to alleged collusion between criminal syndicates and certain state actors, including politicians and security agencies.

The group claimed that Ndigbo (people of the South-East) have often been targeted for exploitation by both state actors and criminal elements. IPOB asserted that the South-East would have been overrun by these kidnappers if not for the establishment of ESN, which has successfully repelled attacks and protected the region from Fulani terrorists operating under the guise of herdsmen.

The IPOB statement pointed to the 2024 NBS report as evidence of ESN’s effectiveness, stating that the South-East recorded the lowest rates of kidnapping and ransom payments in Nigeria. IPOB attributed this achievement to the tireless sacrifices of ESN operatives, who face daily risks to protect their communities.

“Biafrans do not fully grasp the enormous sacrifices and losses that ESN operatives endure to save our people from the Fulani conquest,” the statement read.

Despite these achievements, IPOB alleged that the Nigerian government and its security forces have sought to undermine the region’s security by exaggerating reports of insecurity in the South-East. IPOB accused the government of attempting to “de-market” the region as insecure while ignoring more severe issues in other parts of the country.

The group also criticized the heavy militarization of the South-East, calling on the Nigerian government to dismantle what it referred to as “extortion checkpoints” during the festive season. IPOB maintained that ESN’s focus remains on combating Fulani terrorists, not engaging with Nigerian security forces.

IPOB urged the people of the South-East to rally behind ESN, emphasizing that only a small number of supporters currently fund the security outfit. “IPOB calls on Biafrans to support ESN to protect the land and not wait until they are already kidnapped to appreciate their efforts,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to the restoration of Biafra sovereignty, IPOB declared that it would continue to defend Biafran land with the help of ESN. The statement concluded with a call for unity and support from Biafrans, underlining that the struggle is a collective responsibility for the safety and future of the region.

The group credited its achievements to the guidance of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and expressed confidence in achieving its goals by the grace of Chukwu Okike Abiama.