BREAKING: Defence Headquarters Brands IPOB Terrorists Organisation

The Defence Headquarters on Friday formally branded pro-secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a “militant terrorist organisation’’, a move which may raise more concerns of deepening the crisis in the Southeast.

The declaration followed the latest face-off between the Nigerian Army and IPOB group led by Nnamdi Kanu.

The decision to brand the group was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, the Director, Defence Information (DDI) and obtained by BigPen Online.

This is coming a day after reports alleged human rights abuses and massive onslaught on civilians by soldiers deployed for the “python dance” operation.

It also came a day after the army denied report that they were withdrawing from Abia and other Southeast states following the call for the withdrawal of troops.

The Nigerian Army said the group posed security challenge and had been metamorphosing from one stage to another.

The army however puts parents and guardians on the know about the new order, urging them to dissuade their wards from joining the group.

The military also promised to tackle all security challenges facing the nation, stating that security of lives and property were assured in any part of the country.

The statement reads in part:  “After due professional analysis and recent developments, it has become expedient to notify the general public that the claim by IPOB actors that the organisation is non-violent is not true.

“Hence, the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB.

“In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that have been terrorising the general public include:

“The formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.

“Militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles, among others) on a military patrol on September 10, 2017.

“Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other actors at a check point on September 11, 2017 and also attempt to snatch their rifles.

“Attack by IPOB members on a military check point on September 12, 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.

“From the foregoing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wish to confirm to the general public that IPOB from all intent, plan and purpose as analysed, is a militant terrorist organization.’’

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