The Nigerian government has confirmed that it played an instrumental role in the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-based separatist leader whose actions have significantly contributed to the unrest in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
Ekpa, widely recognized for his leadership in the Biafra separatist movement, was arrested on Thursday by Finnish authorities. He now faces charges related to inciting terrorism and promoting violence within Nigeria, particularly in the southeast.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Nigerian government expressed its satisfaction with the arrest, revealing that it was the result of sustained diplomatic pressure on the Finnish government. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government had been actively engaging with Finland at various diplomatic levels, urging them to take decisive action against Ekpa and his activities, which had been fueling violence and insecurity in Nigeria.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that the Nigerian government’s persistent efforts had led to the arrest, which they saw as a necessary step in curbing the destabilizing influence of Ekpa and his associates. “The arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria,” Ebienfa stated.
The Nigerian government emphasized that the request for action was made during high-level engagements between Nigerian and Finnish officials. These talks were focused on addressing the growing threat posed by separatist groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which Ekpa has supported through inflammatory rhetoric and calls for violent resistance against the Nigerian state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that Ekpa’s arrest is seen as an essential step in neutralizing the influence of these transnational actors who have been undermining Nigeria’s national security.
The Nigerian government’s statement also pointed out that Ekpa’s activities had contributed to the deteriorating situation in the southeastern region, where his calls for violence, including the enforcement of sit-at-home orders, had exacerbated economic stagnation and fueled fear among the local population. The arrest was described as a victory not just for Nigeria, but also for the broader region in efforts to maintain peace and security.
The Ministry reassured the public that the Nigerian government would continue to monitor the legal proceedings surrounding Ekpa’s case, stressing that the Nigerian authorities would remain engaged with Finnish counterparts as the process unfolded. “The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement said.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns regarding Ekpa’s arrest, the Nigerian government reiterated its broader commitment to tackling the root causes of separatist movements and violent extremism within the country. The government emphasized that it would work closely with international partners to ensure that all individuals and groups inciting violence, regardless of where they are based, are held accountable for their actions.
This arrest marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat the insurgent activities of separatist groups and their external backers. It is a critical development in restoring stability to the southeastern region, which has suffered from persistent violence and economic hardship due to the activities of separatist leaders like Ekpa. The Nigerian government hopes that this action will send a strong message to others who might be considering similar actions, further underscoring its commitment to peace, security, and the unity of the nation.
