- Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra was arrested in November 2024 by Finnish security agents owing to his violent and inciting campaigns on radio and social media.
- Musa maintained the military is committed to non-kinetic measures of addressing the security problem.
The Southeast has witnessed a significant decline in tension following the apprehension of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Biafra agitator.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, revealed this while defending the 2025 budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence on Tuesday.
Musa further disclosed that Ekpa’s arrest has led to the gradual disappearance of sit-at-home orders, and Operation Udoka, initiated by the Defence Headquarters, is reestablishing peace in the Southeast.
According to Musa: “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re also doing that, picking up most of the leadership that are there, taking them out, and then making sure that the place is peaceful.
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, as I said always, that we need to have local support because without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”
The Army chief noted that relative peace prevailed during the Christmas holiday period due to proactive security measures.
Musa emphasized the military’s commitment to non-violent solutions to security challenges.
“We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere was kept peaceful. That has happened and we intend to do that and continue to do more. What we try to encourage is jointness, and synergy in our operations,” he added.