The Nigerian military has expressed strong support for the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and reaffirmed its classification as a terrorist organization.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, described the judgment as a significant morale booster for security forces engaged in operations against IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The appellate court’s decision, delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel, confirmed the federal government’s legal authority to outlaw IPOB, citing the group’s activities as a serious threat to national security and public order. Justice Hamma Barka, who delivered the lead judgment, dismissed IPOB’s appeal, ruling that the arguments presented lacked merit.
Reacting to the ruling in an interview with Daily Trust, Buba emphasized that the verdict provides renewed motivation for the military to intensify its operations against IPOB and ESN.
“The Armed Forces commend the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which reaffirms IPOB’s status as a terrorist organization. This is a welcomed development that strengthens the resolve of our troops to dismantle and neutralize the group and its ESN affiliates,” Buba stated.
The court’s decision aligns with the federal government’s long-standing position on IPOB, which was officially banned by the Federal High Court in 2018. Security agencies have since been engaged in ongoing efforts to curb the group’s activities, particularly in the southeastern region, where IPOB and ESN have been linked to violent confrontations with law enforcement.
As the military intensifies its operations, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring national stability and preventing the resurgence of any secessionist movement that could undermine the country’s unity.
