The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has accused Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader currently in Finnish custody, of enjoying himself while encouraging others to engage in deadly actions.
Ekpa, who advocates for the restoration of the defunct Biafra Republic, has been influential in organizing the sit-at-home protests in Nigeria’s Southeast region, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking in an interview with News Central TV, CDS Musa criticized Ekpa for his actions, stating that while the separatist leader was living a carefree lifestyle, others were suffering and dying as a result of his orders.
“He is enjoying himself, partying, and doing all sorts, yet pushing people to harm themselves,” Musa remarked.
Musa also noted that Ekpa had taken responsibility for the consequences of his calls for violence, which had significantly impacted the Southeast’s economy.
He expressed satisfaction with the Finnish government’s decision to arrest Ekpa, acknowledging that the evidence provided by the Nigerian military had convinced the authorities in Finland.
On concerns regarding the military’s ability to end the sit-at-home protests, Musa acknowledged the challenges of dealing with non-state actors, noting that their ideological motivations make them more difficult to confront than traditional military foes.
However, he stressed that the military is adapting to the situation by leveraging advanced technology and intelligence, particularly human intelligence, to combat the threats posed by these non-state actors.
Musa emphasized the importance of community support in tackling the issue, stating that if local communities reject the separatists’ influence, it would be harder for them to gain traction.
