…Lists major criminal offences of Biafran group
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Nigerian military on Friday declared that from intent, plan and purpose as analysed by security agencies, the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) group is a terrorist organisation.
A statement by the Defence Headquarters, noted that the IPOB group, which initially posed a security challenge in the country, has unfortunately been metamorphosing from one dangerous stage to the other.
The statement, signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, said after due professional analysis and recent developments, the claim by IPOB actors that the organization is non-violent cannot be true.
According to General Enenche; “Hence, it has become expedient of the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB. In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that has been terrorising the general public among others include, the formation of a Biafra Secret Service, the claimed formation of Biafra National Guard and unauthorised blocking of public access roads.
“Extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks; militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles among others), on a military patrol on 10 September 2017.
“Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB actors at a check point on 11 September 2017 and also attempt to snatch their rifles.
“Attack by IPOB members, on a military check point on 12 September 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.”
The Defence Headquarters therefore advised parents, particularly unsuspecting residents of the South East and other Nigerians, to caution their wards to desist from joining the group.
General Eneche restated the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to handle all security challenges in the country and further assured Nigerians of the protection of lives and property.
