Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has attributed the reduction of tension in the South-East to the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence during a budget defense session, Musa emphasized that Ekpa’s detention has positively impacted security in the region.
Recall that Igbo Tv had reported the arrest of Simon Ekpa and four others in Finland by the Finnish authorities with charges of inciting violence and funding terrorism through his social media channels in the southeast region of Nigeria, with his trial set for May, 2025.
Ekpa has been linked to enforcing the controversial “sit-at-home” orders in the South-East.
“With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension,” Musa stated.
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Musa highlighted the military’s strides in curbing separatist activities through Operation Udoka, a targeted initiative in the South-East. He noted that the once-dreaded sit-at-home orders, particularly on Mondays, are losing traction.
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because, as I always say, we need local support. Without it, it’s difficult. The terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving,” Musa explained.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration between the military and local communities, praising the increasing flow of human intelligence that has enhanced the effectiveness of their operations.
“We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere remained peaceful. That has happened, and we intend to continue doing more. What we try to encourage is jointness and synergy in our operations,” he said.
Musa also appealed for nationwide support, emphasizing that security challenges are a collective responsibility, not just for the armed forces.
“And as we always appeal, Nigerians must understand that they need to take ownership of their armed forces and the security challenges we are facing. It’s not just a challenge for the armed forces or security agencies; it’s everyone’s responsibility.
The CDS lauded the success of other military operations, including Operation Delta Safe in the South-South, which has addressed oil theft and militancy. He noted that for the first time in years, Nigeria has met its OPEC oil production quota, thanks to enhanced military efforts.
“We’re happy that we’re beginning to get that support from everywhere. Human intelligence information is coming in quite well, and we are taking adequate action. That’s why we see things improving.
“We’ve enhanced kinetic efforts across the three services for our operations. For instance, Delta Safe, in the South-south, is addressing oil theft and militancy. For the first time, we’ve been able to reach our OPEC oil quota for Nigeria, and we intend to do more,” he said.
As tensions ease in the South-East, the military remains committed to maintaining peace and addressing broader security challenges across the country.
