Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has acknowledged that the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities has significantly reduced unrest in the South-East region. Mr. Musa made the statement on Tuesday while defending the military’s budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence.
Impact of Simon Ekpa’s Arrest
Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator and factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in Finland in November 2024 alongside four others on suspicion of terrorist activities. Finnish police accused him of contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in South-East Nigeria.
The District Court of Päijät-Häme subsequently ordered his detention on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Ekpa is widely seen as the architect of the sit-at-home orders in the region, which were issued to demand the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The orders have caused widespread violence, economic disruption, and deaths.
However, a faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu has consistently disavowed Ekpa’s actions.
Diminishing Sit-at-Home Orders
The CDS highlighted the military’s progress in reducing insecurity in the region, particularly through Operation Udoka, a military initiative in the South-East.
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing,” Musa said, adding that the military is employing non-kinetic strategies and working with local political leaders to restore peace.
“We’ve improved synergy in our operations and are receiving better local support. Human intelligence has been effective, and we’re taking necessary actions, which is why we’re seeing improvements,” he noted.
Military Challenges and Welfare Concerns
Mr. Musa also raised concerns about the welfare of military personnel, citing insufficient funds for basic needs like feeding.
“The Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for soldiers is still less than ₦2,000 per head, which is inadequate. Although the President recently increased junior personnel salaries, more is needed to address welfare challenges,” he said.
He stressed the need for constructing new barracks and renovating old ones, as the military is growing by approximately 20,000 personnel annually due to new recruitments.
“We don’t want to achieve peace only to return to substandard living conditions in makeshift shelters. Investment in infrastructure is crucial,” Musa emphasized.
Broader Military Operations
The CDS also highlighted successes in other regions, such as the South-South, where Operation Delta Safe is combating oil theft and militancy. He noted that, for the first time in years, Nigeria has met its OPEC oil production quota, signaling progress in securing critical national assets.
Call for National Support
Mr. Musa appealed for greater public support and collaboration to tackle security challenges nationwide. “The security challenges we face are not just for the military to resolve; it’s a collective responsibility,” he said.
As tensions ease in the South-East, the military aims to consolidate its gains while addressing the welfare and infrastructure needs of its personnel.
