How Simon Ekpa's Arrest Reduced Tension in Southeast Nigeria: Defence Chief Explains

Tension in Nigeria's Southeast has significantly declined following the arrest of Finland-based Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, according to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence during the 2025 budget defence session on Tuesday, Musa highlighted key developments contributing to the region's improving security landscape.

The Defence Chief revealed that the impact of Ekpa's arrest is evident in the diminishing enforcement of sit-at-home orders, which had previously paralyzed economic and social activities across the region.

"With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, tension has greatly reduced,ÔÇØ Musa stated. "Operation Udoka, launched by the Defence Headquarters, has been instrumental in restoring peace. By apprehending key agitators and ensuring strategic deployments, we're making the Southeast more secure.ÔÇØ

Musa also emphasized the importance of local support in combating insecurity. "We're working closely with political leaders and community stakeholders to achieve sustainable peace. The challenging terrain in the Southeast requires this synergy,ÔÇØ he explained.

The Defence Chief further noted that proactive measures, particularly during the Christmas holiday period, prevented potential unrest. Intelligence-driven strategies were deployed to ensure a peaceful festive season.

General Musa highlighted the military's commitment to non-kinetic measures in addressing the region's security concerns. "Joint operations and synergy remain central to our strategy,ÔÇØ he added, stressing that the military is balancing intelligence-driven action with community engagement.

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