IPOB Denies Links to ‘Emergency’, Says Wanted Militants Commander Not Its Member

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied any links to a man declared wanted by the Nigerian Army, identified as Nwankwo Maduabuchi, popularly known as “Emergency.” The pro-Biafra group stated that Maduabuchi is not a member of IPOB or its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), describing the Army’s claim as false and an attempt to discredit the movement.

In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group accused the Nigerian Army of fabricating stories to justify its failures in addressing insecurity across the country. “For the avoidance of doubt, the said Maduabuchi Nwankwo (a.k.a. Emergency) is not a member of IPOB, nor is he an operative of the Eastern Security Network (ESN),” Powerful said. He added that the Army and other security agencies should “desist from their habitual falsehood and stop dragging IPOB into their state-sponsored criminal enterprises in the South-East.”

The Nigerian Army had earlier announced that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in the South-East and Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central had arrested several high-profile IPOB and ESN suspects in Imo and Benue states. According to the Army, the operations led to the death of three armed militants in Mbaïtoli Local Government Area of Imo State and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, radios, and an improvised explosive device (IED) battery. The Army also reported the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to Maduabuchi, including his wife and brothers, who were said to be coordinating logistics and financial support for subversive operations.

Reacting to the military’s claims, IPOB described the statements as “malicious and unprofessional,” accusing the Army of prioritising propaganda over its constitutional duties. “The Nigerian Army’s desperation to link this criminal to IPOB exposes their moral bankruptcy and incompetence,” Powerful said. “Instead of protecting unarmed and defenceless citizens, they have turned themselves into a propaganda outfit.”

Powerful reiterated that IPOB and ESN members are disciplined and law-abiding, maintaining that neither Maduabuchi nor his associates have any connection to the group. He further insisted that IPOB’s struggle for Biafran self-determination is rooted in peaceful advocacy and international law. “Our demand for a peaceful referendum on Biafra is rooted in democracy, dialogue, and the right to self-determination guaranteed under international law,” he stated.

The group also criticised the Nigerian Army for what it called its failure to combat real security threats across the country. “The Nigerian Army should be ashamed of its inability to protect citizens from incessant killings, kidnappings, and terror attacks,” IPOB said. “Rather than wasting energy on blackmailing IPOB and ESN, they should focus on tackling the terrorists and kidnappers holding Nigeria hostage.”