The Nigerian government working closely with Finnish authorities is making efforts for the extradition of the factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPoB), Mr Simon Ekpa whose arrest was announced Thursday by Finland security authorities.
His arrest coming barely eight months after he and 92 others were formally declared wanted by the Nigerian military over alleged terror activities on March 23, 2024 has been hailed by top cats in the Nigerian security apparatchik.
Ekpa has been seen on many viral videos calling for the realisation of the nation of Biafra, sometimes making remarks that instigate violence in the South East.
In the nation’s intelligence circle, he is being alleged to be the arrowhead in the spate of killings and violence that have engulfed the south east with occasional killings and attacks on innocent persons in the enforcement of a sit-at-home order every Monday.
Specifically, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed happiness over the arrest and detention Ekpa by the Finnish authority.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” he said.
Also, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the CDS had always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fuelling terrorism in South East Nigeria.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism,” he said.
The military on March 23, declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the country.
Among those declared wanted is Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland but is believed to be behind the insecurity in the South-east region.
Ekpa’s arrest in Finland was announced on Thursday by Finnish newspapers.
