The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that the federal government will engage with the European Union (EU) to pursue action against Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekpa, who is based in Finland, has continued to push for the enforcement of sit-at-home orders across Nigeria’s south-east region, despite contrary directives from IPOB.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Ekpa declared plans to unveil the complete map of the ‘’Biafra Republic” on December 2, 2024, and threatened a 30-day lockdown of institutions in the south-east if Kanu is not released. This follows his inclusion in the DHQ’s list of 97 wanted terrorists in March 2024.
Responding to Ekpa’s declaration, Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Nigerian government will work through appropriate channels to bring the matter to the attention of the EU, seeking their intervention.
He told TheCable;
“Indeed, the FG will go through appropriate channels to table the matter before the EU in order for action to be taken against him [Ekpa].
“The EU champions democracy and human rights across the world. Accordingly, the government will present its case to EU authorities in order for Simon Ekpa to be held accountable for acts of terrorism he is perpetrating in Nigeria.”