The once-tense atmosphere in Nigeria’s Southeast is reportedly easing, following the arrest of Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa. This revelation came from General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, during a presentation before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to discuss the proposed 2025 budget.
General Musa credited the breakthrough to a combination of Ekpa’s arrest and the ongoing efforts under “Operation Udoka,” a Defence Headquarters initiative aimed at restoring peace in the region.
“With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension,” Musa told the committee. “Also, with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership there, taking them out, and making sure the place is peaceful.”
A Region Under Siege
The Southeast has faced escalating unrest in recent years, fueled by the sit-at-home orders declared by pro-Biafra groups. These directives, often enforced through violence, paralyzed economic and social activities on Mondays, inflicting losses on local businesses and disrupting daily life.
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), gained notoriety for broadcasting inflammatory messages from his base in Finland. His calls for sit-at-home protests and threats against non-compliance sowed fear across the region.
General Musa highlighted the dwindling influence of these agitators since Ekpa’s arrest. “The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing,” he said. “We’re also working with political leaders because local support is crucial. The terrain is very challenging, so we need to collaborate to maintain peace.”
Operation Udoka: A Multifaceted Approach
Launched by the Nigerian military, Operation Udoka is part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy in the Southeast. This operation combines kinetic (military force) and non-kinetic (dialogue and community engagement) methods to address the root causes of insecurity.
“We are committed to non-kinetic measures of addressing the security problem,” Musa emphasized. “We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure everywhere was peaceful, especially during the Christmas holiday period.”
According to him, proactive measures by security agents played a significant role in preventing disruptions during the festive season, traditionally a time of heightened travel and economic activity in the region.
Political Support and Local Collaboration
The Defence Chief underscored the importance of collaboration with local political leaders to sustain peace efforts. This approach reflects an understanding that military action alone cannot fully address the grievances driving separatist agitation.
“We’re working with political leaders there because we understand that we need to have local support,” Musa explained. “Without it, it’s difficult to achieve lasting peace.”
The terrain of the Southeast, characterized by dense forests and challenging topography, further complicates military operations. This makes the role of local actors indispensable in gathering intelligence and building trust within communities.
Christmas Calm: A Sign of Progress
One of the most notable signs of progress came during the Christmas season, a period often marked by heightened tension in the Southeast. Musa revealed that security forces implemented robust measures to ensure peace throughout the holidays, a stark contrast to the disruptions seen in previous years.
“We ensured that everywhere was kept peaceful,” Musa said, adding that this success has bolstered the military’s resolve to maintain calm in the region.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the gains, the road to lasting peace in the Southeast remains fraught with challenges. While Ekpa’s arrest and Operation Udoka have weakened separatist activities, the underlying issues fueling agitation—economic marginalization, political exclusion, and mistrust of the central government—remain unresolved.
Analysts caution that a long-term solution will require addressing these grievances through meaningful dialogue and socio-economic reforms.
A New Dawn?
For now, the military’s efforts seem to be yielding results, with residents reporting a gradual return to normalcy in parts of the Southeast. However, as Musa pointed out, maintaining peace will require sustained collaboration, intelligence gathering, and a balanced approach that prioritizes both security and community engagement.
The arrest of Simon Ekpa may have been a turning point, but the journey toward a peaceful and prosperous Southeast is far from over.
