The arrest of Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafra separatist leader, has significantly reduced tensions in Nigeria’s South-East region, according to General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). General Musa stated that Ekpa’s detention in Finland, coupled with the ongoing Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, has been instrumental in restoring peace to the area.
Simon Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, has been linked to the enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders and escalating insecurity in the South-East. His arrest by Finnish authorities in November 2024 was part of a broader investigation into activities promoting violence against civilians and public authorities in Nigeria.
Operation Udoka, launched by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, aims to eliminate banditry and end the sit-at-home directives that have disrupted daily life in the South-East. General Musa emphasized that the military is collaborating closely with local communities to ensure stability and security in the region.
While the arrest of Ekpa has been welcomed by many as a step toward peace, some analysts caution that it may not fully resolve the underlying security challenges in the South-East. They argue that a comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of agitation and unrest is necessary for lasting stability.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing efforts by both Nigerian and international authorities to address the complex security issues in the South-East. The impact of Ekpa’s arrest on the region’s long-term peace and security continues to be closely monitored.
