IPOB described ESN operatives as volunteers drawn from its ranks who, it said, abandoned personal careers and comforts to protect their communities.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has congratulated operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) on its fifth anniversary, claiming the outfit has significantly reduced attacks on rural communities and farmlands across the South-East.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, IPOB said ESN was established on December 12, 2020, by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to address what it described as a “grave security vacuum” in Biafran territories.
According to the group, ESN was formed as a community-based vigilante force to counter armed groups operating in forests and rural areas, alleging that prior to its creation, communities were frequently subjected to attacks, destruction of farmlands, displacement of villagers and killings.
IPOB described ESN operatives as volunteers drawn from its ranks who, it said, abandoned personal careers and comforts to protect their communities.
The group also alleged that the outfit has faced sustained military operations, media attacks and internal sabotage but has remained “resolute” in pursuing its objectives.
The separatist group further claimed that some ESN operatives have been killed or abducted, while their families have allegedly been targeted. It insisted, however, that ESN’s mission of preventing the occupation of Biafran land remains unchanged.
IPOB called on residents of the South-East to continue supporting ESN through vigilance, intelligence sharing and cooperation, while urging the United States Government and the international community to address what it described as jihadist and extremist networks operating in Nigeria.
“The Eastern Security Network was established by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 12 December 2020 as a community-based vigilante force to confront the grave security vacuum that had left Biafraland exposed to marauding armed groups—terror herdsmen from the Sahelian corridor and allied religious extremists—who for years operated with impunity,” the statement said.
“Before ESN’s formation, many Biafran communities lived under siege. Farms were destroyed, women violated, villages displaced, and lives taken without consequence—patterns now tragically familiar across parts of the Middle Belt,” it said.
“The intervention of ESN reversed this descent into lawlessness. While threats persist, it is undeniable that attacks have reduced significantly, and farmers today return to their lands with renewed confidence. This restored sense of security is a direct result of ESN’s vigilance and sacrifice.”
The statement added that despite what it described as “propaganda, intimidation and coordinated assaults,” ESN operatives have continued their activities, accusing unnamed local collaborators of attempting to undermine the group.
“Some ESN operatives have been abducted, their families targeted, and others have paid the ultimate price in defense of our homeland. Yet, the mission has not wavered: not an inch of Biafra land shall be occupied or overrun,” it said.
IPOB also urged international actors to confront what it described as extremist groups operating in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, ISWAP and Ansaru, while reiterating its call for continued support for ESN.
“Once again, we congratulate the Eastern Security Network on five years of steadfast service to our people and our land,” the statement added.