In a strongly worded response, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vehemently denied the assertions made by the Nigerian Air Force regarding the bombing of their alleged camps and those of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra and Imo States. The pro-Biafran group has categorically refuted these claims, asserting that ESN maintains no presence in the purportedly bombed locations and insisting that the military’s statements are misleading, as these areas were inhabited by innocent civilians.

IPOB expressed its condemnation of any form of military offensive in the South-Eastern region and drew attention to what they perceive as a stark contrast: while the South-East faces military operations, the Northern region, grappling with bandits and terrorists, remains untouched by such bombardments.

In a press release issued by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB asserted, “The global family of IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu debunk the claims by the Nigerian Air Force…” The group questioned the logic of deploying fighter jets against criminal hideouts in the South-East while failing to take similar action against terrorists and bandits who openly operate in Northern desert lands.

IPOB highlighted the existence of security challenges in the Northern region, including the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, contrasting the government’s negotiation and ransom payments to these groups with the military’s actions in the South-East. They passionately condemned the bombing and destruction of their land.

Furthermore, IPOB sought to distance itself from criminal activities carried out in the name of the Biafra struggle, emphasizing that these actions were not perpetrated by their members or ESN operatives. They asserted their commitment to the peaceful pursuit of Biafra’s restoration and called on the Nigerian Air Force to cease making false claims regarding the bombing of their alleged camps.

The group clarified that Biafra lacks a formal army and clarified the role of the Eastern Security Network, focusing on tackling criminals disguised as herdsmen who commit atrocities in the Eastern region.

IPOB asserted that those posing as the “Biafra Liberation Army” are sponsored agents of the Nigerian government, rather than ESN operatives. They emphasized that they are neither criminals nor terrorists, as evidenced by their ability to convene peacefully in foreign countries.

In closing, IPOB demanded transparency from the Nigeria Air Force, urging them to accurately identify the targets of their bombings and cease referencing ESN or IPOB in their statements. The statement concluded with a resolute commitment to continue their pursuit of the Independent State of Biafra until it is achieved.