Arrest of Simon Ekpa eased South-East tensions, says Defence Chief

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has credited the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland and the military’s Operation Udoka with significantly reducing insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Speaking on Tuesday while defending the 2025 defence budget before the House Committee on Defence, Gen. Musa detailed the strides made in stabilizing the troubled region, which has long grappled with violence linked to the agitation for Biafra’s secession.

“Since the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the tension in the South-East has greatly reduced,” the CDS stated. Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) operating from Finland, was arrested in November 2024 for inciting violence and promoting separatist campaigns via radio and social media.

His inflammatory rhetoric had fueled chaos in the region, including the infamous Monday sit-at-home orders that paralyzed economic activities.

The Defence Headquarters responded to the escalating violence with the launch of Operation Udoka in 2024, aimed at dismantling criminal elements and restoring peace. Gen. Musa highlighted the operation’s success, noting that the military has apprehended several key figures behind the unrest.

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“The sit-at-home orders are gradually diminishing,” he said. “We’re working closely with political leaders in the region because local support is crucial. The terrain is challenging, but with collaboration, we’re seeing significant improvements.”

The Defence Chief emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches alongside military action, underscoring the need for community engagement and intelligence-sharing to tackle insecurity.

“During the last holidays, we ensured the region remained peaceful through proactive intelligence efforts. Synergy is the key to our success, and we’re committed to sustaining this progress. However, Nigerians must take ownership of their security. This isn’t just the armed forces’ fight—it’s everyone’s responsibility,” Gen. Musa stated.

Beyond the South-East, Gen. Musa also highlighted efforts to curb oil theft and militancy in the South-South, where Operation Delta Safe has been instrumental in safeguarding oil installations and ensuring Nigeria meets its OPEC production quota.

“For the first time in years, we’ve reached our OPEC quota, and we’re aiming for 2.2 million barrels per day. It’s a collective effort. Security forces, stakeholders, and the oil industry must work together to achieve this,” he explained.

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