Tension Rises As IPOB, ESN Accuse Security Forces Of Ethnic Profiling

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has voiced alarm over what it describes as a persistent and unjust pattern by Nigerian security agencies of linking its members and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to criminal activities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, condemned the habitual attribution of crimes to the group without credible evidence or thorough investigations.

“The continuous association of IPOB and ESN with criminal acts—often without verification—raises serious concerns about fairness and bias,” the group stated.

IPOB cited a recent case involving a woman impersonating a soldier in Katsina State, highlighting the uneven handling of such incidents depending on the region or individuals involved.

The group stressed that all criminal cases, including impersonation, should be treated with equal scrutiny and impartiality.

Reaffirming its commitment to the pursuit of self-determination through nonviolent means, IPOB reiterated its rejection of criminality in any form. It urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that law enforcement actions are guided by evidence, respect for due process, and the rule of law.

“Authorities must stop the blanket criminalisation of IPOB members. Justice should be based on facts, not assumptions,” the statement read.

IPOB concluded by demanding an end to what it termed the “unfair profiling” of its members and called for objectivity and legal integrity in all investigations involving the group.