View source for Indigenous People of Biafra

{{Short description|Separatist group in Nigeria}}
{{Redirect|IPOB|the human gene importin subunit beta-1|KPNB1}}
{{Infobox political party
| name             = Indigenous People of Biafra
| native_name      =
| abbreviation     = IPOB
| colorcode        = #DA251D
| logo             =
| merger           =
| merged           =
| leader           = [[Nnamdi Kanu]]
| founders         = {{plainlist|
* Nnamdi Kanu
* Uche Mefor}}
| spokesperson     =
| foundation       = 2012
| dissolved        =
| ideology         = {{bulleted list |[[Anti-Fulani sentiment]]<ref name="mayer">{{cite journal |last1=Mayer |first1=Adam |title=Violence and identity in modern Nigeria: Inchoate feudalization in a failing polity |journal=Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies |date=4 July 2021 |volume=1 |issue=1–2 |url=https://jceeas.bdi.uni-obuda.hu/index.php/jceeas/article/view/3 |language=en}}</ref>|[[Anti-Muslim sentiment]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ejiofor |first1=Promise Frank |title=Decolonising Islamophobia |journal=Ethnic and Racial Studies |date=28 February 2023 |volume=46 |issue=13 |pages=2863–2892 |doi=10.1080/01419870.2023.2181670 |language=en |issn=0141-9870|doi-access=free }}</ref>|[[Anti-Nigerian sentiment]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mahler |first1=Gregory S. |title=Frustrated Nationalism: Nationalism and National Identity in the Twenty-First Century |date=2024 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=9781438496184}}</ref>|Biafran [[separatism]]|[[Igbo nationalism]]<ref name = "mayer"/>|[[Nativism (politics)|Nativism]]|Pro-[[Donald Trump|Trump]]}}
| position         =
| headquarters     =
| membership       =
| membership_year  =
| newspaper        =
| domestic         =
| flag             = Flag of Biafra.svg
| international    =
| website          = {{URL|ipobinusa.org}}
| colours          = [[Red]], [[black]], [[green]] and [[yellow]]
| country          = Nigeria
}}
The '''Indigenous People of Biafra''' (IPOB) is a separatist group in [[Nigeria]] that aims to restore the defunct [[Republic of Biafra]], a country which seceded from Nigeria in 1967 prior to the [[Nigerian Civil War]] and was subsequently dissolved following its defeat in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-10-06-00-mystery-of-the-missing-biafran-separatist-1/|title=Mystery of the missing Biafran separatist|last=Allison|first=Simon|website=The M&G Online|date=6 October 2017|language=en|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> Since 2021, IPOB and other Biafran separatist groups have been fighting a [[Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria|low-level guerilla conflict in southeastern Nigeria]] against the [[Nigeria|Nigerian government]]. The group was founded in 2012<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leavitt |first=Jericho |date=2023-11-08 |title=Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) |url=https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/indigenous-people-of-biafra |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=The Modern Insurgent |language=en}}</ref> by [[Nnamdi Kanu]] who has been the leader<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nwonwu |first=Chiagozie  |date=2023-01-09 |title=Biafra quest fuels Nigeria conflict: Too scared to marry and bury bodies |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64110852?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA).Could |access-date=2023-01-31}}</ref> and [[Uche Mefor]], who served as the deputy leader.<ref>Nehru Odeh,{{Cite web |title=IPOB: Why Nnamdi Kanu, Uche Mefor are at war|url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/11/24/ipob-why-nnamdi-kanu-uche-mefor-are-at-war/ |website=pmnewsnigeria.com|date=24 November 2020|access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref>
Kanu is known as a British [[political activist]] known for his advocacy of the contemporary Biafran independence movement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2017-05-05 |title=The man behind Nigeria's new separatist movement |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39793185 |access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> It was declared a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2017 under the Nigerian Terrorism Act but the declaration was nullified by a High Court sitting in Enugu in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Proscription, designation of IPOB as terror organisation, unconstitutional – Court |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/10/breaking-proscription-designation-of-ipob-as-terror-organisation-unconstitutional-court/ |website=Vanguard News}}</ref> As of May 2022, the [[United Kingdom]] started denying asylum to members of IPOB who allegedly engaged in human rights abuses, though the UK government clarified that IPOB had not been designated as a terrorist organisation.<ref>{{cite news |title=We Didn't Designate IPOB As Terrorist Organisation – UK {{!}} Channels Television |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2022/05/06/we-didnt-designate-ipob-as-terrorist-organisation-uk/amp/ |work=www.channelstv.com}}</ref>
IPOB has criticized the Nigerian federal government for poor investment, political alienation, inequitable resource distribution, ethnic marginalization, and heavy military presence, extrajudicial killings in the South-Eastern, South-Central and parts of North-Central regions of the country.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-nigeria-war-legacy-20190430-story.html|title=The dream of Biafra lives on in underground Nigerian radio broadcasts|last=Mahr|first=Oluwatosin Adeshokan, Krista|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=30 April 2019|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/what-biafra-and-why-are-some-nigerians-calling-independence-401164|title=What is Biafra and Why are Some Nigerians Calling for Independence?|last=EST|first=Conor Gaffey On 12/7/15 at 7:22 AM|date=2015-12-07|website=Newsweek|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> The organization rose to prominence in the mid-2010s and is now the largest Biafran independence organization by membership. In recent years, it has gained significant media attention for becoming a frequent target of political crackdowns by the [[Federal government of Nigeria|Nigerian government]]. It also has numerous sites and communication channels serving as the only trusted social apparatus educating and inculcating first hand information and news to its members.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nigeria: At least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling crackdown |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/11/peaceful-pro-biafra-activists-killed-in-chilling-crackdown/ |website=Amnesty International |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=5 June 2020}}</ref>
== Background ==
[[Biafra]] had previously existed as an Independent multi-ethnic Republic consisting of the Igbo,   peoples to name a few and was declared by Lieutenant Colonel [[C. Odumegwu Ojukwu|Odumegwu Ojukwu]] for three years, 1967 through 1970. The federal government fought hard to preserve the Federal Republic of Nigeria and did not like the idea of an independent state of [[Biafra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Biafra |title= Biafra: Secessionist State, Nigeria|author=((The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica))}}</ref> The result of tensions between Biafra and the federal government resulted in the [[Nigerian Civil War|Nigerian civil war]] that went on for three years. There were an estimated one to 3.5 million deaths that were heavily civilian casualties caused by starvation and death on the side of Biafra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/whats-name-nigerian-civil-war-everything|title=What's in a Name? For the Nigerian Civil War, Everything|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> In 1970, the Biafran forces surrendered through the armistice brokered by the defunct OAU.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Peaceful Settlement of Disputes: Unsolved Problem for the OAU (A Case Study of the Nigeria-Biafra Conflict)|journal = Africa Today|volume = 24|issue = 4|pages = 39–58|jstor = 4185729|last1 = Akuchu|first1 = Gemuh E.|year = 1977}}</ref>
== Leadership ==
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra is [[Nnamdi Kanu]] who is a dual British and Nigerian citizen. He created IPOB after he initially gained fame from his broadcasts on [[Radio Biafra]], which was established in 2009. This was a radio station from London that broadcast messages that called for "freedom of Biafrans" and criticised corruption in the government of Nigeria. Radio Biafra catalyzed Kanu's rise to the public scene, as he was previously an unknown figure.<ref name=":0" /> Kanu was arrested by the Nigerian security forces on 19 October 2015, on charges of "sedition, ethnic incitement and treasonable felony."<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=IBEANU, ORJI, IWUAMADI|first=OKECHUKWU, NKWACHUKWU, CHIJIOKE|date=2016|title=Biafra Separatism: Causes, Consequences and Remedies|journal=Institute for Innovations in Development|pages=1–71|via=Research Gate}}</ref>
On occasion of Kanu's second arrest in June 2021, he appointed [[Simon Ekpa]] as the lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra and Spokesperson for IPOB pending his release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FACT CHECK: Did Finnish gov't threaten to arrest IPOB spokesman? - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/fact-check-did-finnish-govt-threaten-to-arrest-ipob-spokesman/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=dailytrust.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Princewill |first=Stephanie Busari,Nimi |date=2021-06-29 |title=Nigerian separatist leader brought back to Nigeria to face trial |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/29/africa/nnamdi-kanu-arrested-nigeria-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> However, Ekpa has been a controversial figure within IPOB, especially when he began to argue that Kanu could no longer lead the Movement due to being imprisoned.<ref name="ekpa">{{cite web| url = https://nationaldailyng.com/biafra-ipob-no-longer-takes-order-from-kanu/| title = Biafra: "IPOB no longer takes order from Kanu"| work = National Daily| date = 15 February 2022| access-date = 6 March 2022| archive-date = 6 March 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220306135003/https://nationaldailyng.com/biafra-ipob-no-longer-takes-order-from-kanu/| url-status = live}}</ref> By late 2022, other IPOB leaders like Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful were openly denouncing Ekpa.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://saharareporters.com/2022/08/07/biafra-government-exile-formed-self-professed-disciple-nnamdi-kanu-ekpa-scam-ignore-it |title=Biafra Government In Exile Formed By Self-professed Disciple Of Nnamdi Kanu, Ekpa, Is A Scam, Ignore It, IPOB Tells Nigerians |website=Sahara Reporters |date=7 August 2022 |access-date= 23 July 2023 }}</ref>
== Mission ==
Indigenous People of Biafra has "brought both local and international attention to the plight of Ndigbo in Nigeria".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://election.org.ng/nigeria/my-open-letter-to-ipob-and-her-members-by-charles-ogbu/|title=My Open Letter To IPOB And Her Members -By Charles Ogbu...|publisher=Election.org.ng|access-date=2024-10-11|archive-date=2020-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126093724/http://election.org.ng/nigeria/my-open-letter-to-ipob-and-her-members-by-charles-ogbu/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Alliance ==
Indigenous People of Biafra and [[Ambazonia Governing Council]] had established an alliance in early April 2021 when Nnamdi Kanu and [[Ayaba Cho Lucas]] met in a virtual press conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Jess |date=2021-05-20 |title=Separatist Movements in Nigeria and Cameroon Are Joining Forces |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/20/separatists-nigeria-cameroon-biafra-ipob-ambazonia-anglophone-joining-forces/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Links with other groups ==
There have been many other pro-Biafran groups that have come into existence. The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra ([[Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra|MASSOB]]) began gaining attention in the early 2000s, along with the [[Biafra Zionist Movement]] (BZM) which rose to the spotlight in 2012. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) emerged in 2012 as well after these other groups.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bybee|first=Ashley|date=November 9, 2017|title=The Indigenous People of Biafra: Another Stab at Biafran Independence|url=https://www.ida.org/idamedia/Corporate/Files/Publications/AfricaWatch/africawatch-November-9-2017-vol17.pdf|journal=Institute for Defense Analyses|volume=17|pages=1–5}}</ref>
IPOB emerged to continue the movement that had been championed by MASSOB. MASSOB was formed in 1999 by its national leader [[Ralph Uwazuruike]]. However, the organization was severely weakened due to alleged state repression and disagreement within the group about leadership. MASSOB accused Uwazuruike of associating himself with "mainstream Nigerian politics" instead of furthering the cause of Biafra.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/massob-expels-uwazuruike-picks-new-leadership/|title=MASSOB expels Uwazuruike, picks new leadership|date=2015-11-30|website=The Nation Newspaper|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> These conflicts contributed to the formation of another faction named BZM. BZM leader Benjamin Igwe Onwuka and many members of the group were arrested for treason by the Nigerian government at a rally that took place on 5 November 2012 in the region of Enugu. BZM's activities were scaled down because of arrests and trials of many lead members of the organization. Both of these pro-Biafran groups set up the rise of IPOB which continues championing the same causes.<ref name=":1" />
== Protest ==
[[File:Free Nnamdi Kanu - Biafran separatist leader imprisoned in Nigeria. (25346464822).jpg|thumb|Free [[Nnamdi Kanu]] protest by the IPOB]]
There has been recent peaceful protest in Nigeria regarding IPOB. The organization's leader and a prominent activist named Nnamdi Kanu was arrested by Nigeria's [[State Security Service (Nigeria)|Department of State Services]] on 19 October 2015. In response to his arrest there has been a group of pro-Biafran protesters who have been leading marches in eastern parts of Nigeria to push for his release. His arrest has pushed IPOB supporters into gaining further traction, as their mobilization grew.<ref name=":0" /> There have been many protesters and police clashes; on 2 December 2015, nine protesters and two policemen were killed at a protest in Onitsha, Anambra state.<ref name="Maya">{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/204902-special-report-inside-massive-extrajudicial-killings-nigerias-south-east.html|title=SPECIAL REPORT: Inside the massive extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East|last=Maya|first=Emmanuel|date=2016-06-08|website=Premium Times Nigeria|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> Since that date, there have been thousands of protesters who have been reportedly killed by policemen and militia paid by the government in Aba, Onitsha, Enugu and Umuhahia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/10-dead-20-injured-in-pro-biafra-protest/|title=10 pro-Biafra protesters 'die' in Aba|date=2016-02-09|website=The Nation Newspaper|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> The rising protests are attributed to the claimed political disenfranchisement among the Igbo people and the trauma that continues as an effect of the Nigerian civil war. There are weekly lockdowns in many towns in South East, Nigeria and many pro-Biafra citizens and others have been unable to leave their homes. The lockdown became prominent since the extradition of Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya and a Monday sit-at-home order was imposed by IPOB on the entire South East geopolitical zone as a protest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ibeh |first=Ifeanyi |date=2022-12-21 |title=IPOB's sit-at-home: The self-induced devastation of the South East |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/opinion/ipobs-sit-at-home-the-self-induced-devastation-of-the-south-east/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}</ref>  Also, IPOB declared a sit-at-home order for any day Mr. Kanu appears in court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Obianeri |first=Ikenna |date=2022-09-10 |title=Kanu: IPOB declares Tuesday sit-at-home in South-East |url=https://punchng.com/kanu-ipob-declares-tuesday-sit-at-home-in-south-east/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> However, on July 21, 2023, Nnamdi Kalu through his lawyer and IPOB's media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, cancelled the Monday IPOB sit-at-home order hitherto imposed on South East States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPOB Announces End to Sit-at-Home in South-east - THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/11/25/ipob-announces-end-to-sit-at-home-in-south-east |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.thisdaylive.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Obianeri |first=Ikenna |date=2023-08-06 |title=Sit-at-home over in S'East, says IPOB |url=https://punchng.com/sit-at-home-over-in-seast-says-ipob/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Opejobi |first=Seun |date=2023-07-28 |title=Nnamdi Kanu orders Simon Ekpa to end sit-at-home in Southeast |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/07/28/nnamdi-kanu-orders-simon-ekpa-to-end-sit-at-home-in-southeast/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>
IPOB supporters have cited historical events such as the 2016 election of [[Donald Trump|President Donald Trump]], and Britain's vote to exit the [[European Union]] as proof of international support for "self-determination."<ref name=":0" /> According to many sources, Donald Trump's victory provides hope for the IPOB group in their ability to secede from Nigeria. Trump's political interests are in line with supporting Biafra, because of oil pursuits. U.S. oil company outputs in Nigeria have been cut by militants in the [[Niger Delta]] who have been continually attacking pipelines.<ref name=":0" />  Therefore, IPOB figures contend that it is within the United States' economic interest to support the Biafran secessionist movement due to agitations in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/nigeria-biafra-separatists-are-celebrating-donald-trumps-election-519550|title=In Nigeria, secessionists are celebrating Donald Trump's election|last=EST|first=Conor Gaffey On 11/10/16 at 1:39 PM|date=2016-11-10|website=Newsweek|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> However, as of yet Trump has made no public statement in support of Biafran self-determination.
The pro-Biafran protesters are calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafran activists that have been jailed. Most importantly they want an independence referendum to have a date set by the government. The editor of pro-Biafran media outlet 'Voice of Biafra' Nnabuike Nnadede stated that the Igbo people suffer from a lack of resources and investment from the Nigerian government. The main reason for their protests are because they want the opportunity to vote for independence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/what-biafra-and-why-are-some-nigerians-calling-independence-401164|title=What is Biafra and Why are Some Nigerians Calling for Independence?|last=EST|first=Conor Gaffey On 12/7/15 at 7:22 AM|date=2015-12-07|website=Newsweek|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref>
== State response and treatment ==
On 18 September 2017, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared IPOB a terrorist organization.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://punchng.com/court-affirms-ipobs-proscription-designation-as-terrorist-group/|title=Court affirms IPOB's proscription, designation as terrorist group|website=Punch Newspapers|date=19 January 2018|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> The IPOB have fought against this proscription and sought to reverse the court's decision in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://saharareporters.com/2018/03/02/ipob-appeals-order-declaring-it-terrorist-organization|title=IPOB Appeals Order Declaring It A Terrorist Organization|date=2018-03-02|website=Sahara Reporters|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> In 2023, a High Court sitting in Enugu State nullified IPOB's proscription and awarded 8 billion Naira damages, thereby declaring the proscription unconstitutional.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mbawike |first=Nnamdi |date=2023-10-27 |title=Court Nullifies IPOB Proscription, Awards N8bn Damages |url=https://leadership.ng/court-nullifies-ipob-proscription-awards-n8bn-damages/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>
According to sources, the Nigerian State has utilized violent and excessive police force in order to silence pro-Biafran movements. This police violence has been ongoing from 2014, first targeting MASSOB and IPOB after its formation.<ref name=":1" /> In 2008, MASSOB claimed that 2,020 of their members had been massacred and extrajudicially killed by the state. [[Amnesty International]] released a report detailing that countless IPOB protesters were killed between the 29th through 30 May 2016 during a governmental operation wanting to prevent IPOB members marching from Nkpor motor park to a rally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.nl/actueel/nigeria-killing-of-unarmed-pro-biafra-supporters-by-military-must-be-urgently-investigated|title=Nigeria: Killing of unarmed pro-Biafra supporters by military must be urgently investigated|website=Amnesty International|language=nl|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref>  The Nigerian army claims that they were acting in self-defense, and that the death count lies at five instead of fifty. These killings have not been investigated by Nigeria, despite urgings from Amnesty International.
Human rights organizations have been keeping records of extrajudicial killings in Biafra. They claim that from August 2015 through February 2016, 170 unarmed civilians were killed and that 400 were arrested, charged or detained without a proper trial.<ref name="Maya"/>
== Kanu's trial and detention ==
The leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has failed to appear in court since April 25, 2017, to answer to the charges against him by the federal government. He had previously been detained without trial for over a year and was arraigned on November 8, 2016, for charges of criminal conspiracy, membership of an illegal organization and intimidation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/news/court-revokes-bail-of-ipobs-leader-nnamdi-kanu/|title=Court revokes bail of IPOB's leader Nnamdi Kanu|date=2019-03-29|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> He was granted bail after several public agitations including World Igbo Summit Group<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailypost.ng/2016/10/30/igbo-leaders-demand-nnamdi-kanus-release-say-south-east-committed-one-nigeria/|title = Igbo leaders demand Nnamdi Kanu's release, say South East committed to one Nigeria|date = 30 October 2016}}</ref> in April 2017 because of health concerns that the judge said needed better medical attention that couldn't be provided by the prison. However, he was barred from granting interviews, meeting in groups larger than ten individuals, organizing and attending rallies or social functions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thisisafrica.me/release-leader-re-awakens-calls-biafran-secession-nigeria/|title=Release of Leader Re-Awakens Calls for Biafran Secession in Nigeria|date=2017-06-23|website=This Is Africa|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13|archive-date=2019-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428035709/https://thisisafrica.me/release-leader-re-awakens-calls-biafran-secession-nigeria/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kanu disappeared after September 2017 after a premeditated attack on his home village, Umuahia by the combined forces of the Airforce and Army. Through a Radio Biafra broadcast he explains that his disappearance is because President Muhammdu Buhari sent the military to execute him in his home.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/309728-why-i-ran-away-from-nigeria-nnamdi-kanu.html|title=Why I 'ran away' from Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu|last=Onyeji|first=Ebuka|date=2019-02-03|website=Premium Times Nigeria|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> The military denies the occurrence of this raid, despite an obvious video footage of the gruesome attack.<ref name=":2"/> There has been speculation that Kanu had fled to Israel for safety, after a Facebook livestream video depicted an individual resembling Kanu praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/nigerian-separatist-leader-admits-hes-in-israel-says-owes-life-to-jewish-state/|title=Nigerian separatist leader admits he's in Israel, says owes life to Jewish state|last=AFP|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> The Israeli foreign ministry stated that Israel cannot confirm this allegation as they do not have any evidence of Kanu in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://africatimes.com/2018/10/23/israel-casts-a-shadow-on-biafran-leader-nnamdi-kanu-sighting/|title=Israel casts a shadow on Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu sighting|date=2018-10-23|website=Africa Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-13}}</ref> Now, the court has revoked the bail of Kanu and the trial judge [[Binta Nyako]] has ordered the immediate arrest of Kanu and stated that his treasonable felony will proceed despite his absence. On June 29, 2021, the Nigerian government announced that Nnamdi Kanu had been rearrested.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnaija.com.ng/2021/06/nnamdi-kanu-re-arrested-in-uk.html|title=Nnamdi Kanu rearrested, remanded in DSS custody|last=Paul|first=John|date=2021-06-29|website=HotNaija|language=en-GB|access-date=2021-06-29}}</ref> He was subsequently charged to court again and remanded in the custody of the department of state services.
== 2020/21 clashes ==
[[File:Indigenous Peoples of Biafra -- ACLED Map.png|thumb|500px|The location of political violence involving Indigenous Peoples of Biafra in Nigeria, 2015–2023, according to [[Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project|ACLED]] data]]
{{main|Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria}}
In August 2020, the department of state services (DSS) were accused by IPOB of killing 21 of his members and arresting 47 members across different locations. The DSS claims two of its officers were killed by IPOB members. Both sides accused each other of firing the first shot and that the attack was unprovoked. Casualties cannot be independently verified.<ref>[https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/410415-two-sss-operatives-21-ipob-members-killed-in-violent-clash.html Two SSS operatives, ’21’ IPOB members killed in violent clash], Premium Times, Aug 23, 2020.</ref> Following the incident, IPOB vowed to retaliate and called on its members to start practicing self-defense.<ref>[https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/no-meeting-in-enugu-for-now-we-will-retaliate-ipob/ No meeting in Enugu for now, we will retaliate — IPOB], Vanguard, Aug 24, 2020. Accessed Aug 27, 2020.</ref>
On December 12, 2020, Kanu announced the formation of the [[Eastern Security Network]] (ESN), a regional security force, which he said it purpose is to flush out bandits and illegal forest occupants that always clash with farmers in Biafra land. The Nigerian Army deployed to locate ESN camps two weeks later.<ref>[http://saharareporters.com/2021/01/22/nigerian-soldiers-resigned-join-kanu%E2%80%99s-eastern-network-%E2%80%93-military-sources Nigerian Soldiers Resigned To Join Kanu's Eastern Network – Military Sources], Sahara Reporters, Jan 22, 2021. Accessed Jan 22, 2021.</ref> On January 22, Nigerian soldiers invaded [[Orlu, Imo|Orlu]] to search for ESN operatives. Eight buildings were burnt and one person was killed in the ensuing events.<ref>[https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/eastern-security-network-over-8-buildings-including-church-allegedly-burnt-one-feared-dead-in-imo/ Eastern Security Network: Over 8 buildings including church allegedly burnt, one feared dead in Imo], Vanguard, Jan 25, 2021. Accessed Jan 25, 2021.</ref> Security forces re-invaded the area three days later, clashing with the ESN and killing at least five people<ref>[http://saharareporters.com/2021/01/25/soldiers-invade-ipob-eastern-security-network%E2%80%99s-operational-base-kill-five-burn-church Soldiers Invade IPOB Eastern Security Network's Operational Base, Kill Five, Burn Church, Others], SaharaReporters, Jan 25, 2021. Accessed Jan 25, 2021.</ref> before being repulsed by the ESN.<ref name="sarejan272021"/> Four Nigerian soldiers were killed in the fighting.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/55781291 Orlu killing: Imo State Eastern Security Network &#91;ESN&#93; crisis kill four soldiers - Police, Nnamdi Kanu react] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127003301/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/55781291 |date=2021-01-27 }}, BBC, Jan 26, 2021. Accessed Jan 26, 2021.</ref> The Nigerian Army withdrew, and in the following days, [[Nigerian Air Force]] planes and helicopters deployed to search for ESN operatives in and around Orlu.<ref name="sarejan272021">[http://saharareporters.com/2021/01/27/military-jet-combs-orlu-communities-esn-operatives-after-failed-land-combat Military Jet Combs Orlu Communities For ESN Operatives After Failed Land Combat], Sahara Reporters, Jan 27, 2021. Accessed Jan 28, 2021.</ref> Before the Nigerian Army could launch another attack, Kanu ordered the ESN to cease fire and withdraw from Orlu, ending the crisis.<ref name="dpngjan2820212">[https://dailypost.ng/2021/01/28/orlu-nnamdi-kanu-orders-esn-to-ceasefire-against-army-watchful-of-fulani-herdsmen/ Orlu: Nnamdi Kanu orders ESN to ceasefire against Army, watchful of Fulani herdsmen], Daily Post, Jan 28, 2021. Accessed Jan 28, 2021.</ref>
Shortly after the Orlu crisis, IPOB gave all the governors of southeast Nigeria 14 days to ban open grazing, threatening to deploy the ESN to enforce a ban if the authorities did not do so.<ref>[https://thenationonlineng.net/ipob-gives-southeast-governors-14-days-ultimatum-to-ban-open-grazing/ IPOB gives Southeast governors 14 days ultimatum to ban open grazing], The Nation, Jan 30, 2021. Accessed Jan 30, 2021.</ref>
On April 9, 2021, IPOB formally allied itself with the [[Ambazonia Governing Council]] (AGovC) and the [[Ambazonia Defence Forces]].<ref>[https://cameroonnewsagency.com/agovc-joins-forces-with-ipob/ AGovC Joins Forces With IPOB], Cameroon News Agency, Apr 9, 2021. Accessed Apr 10, 2021.</ref> The alliance was denounced by the Interim Government of Ambazonia as well as by other Biafran separatist groups.<ref>[https://www.sunnewsonline.com/internal-crisis-threatens-ipob-cameroon-separatist-union/ Internal crisis threatens IPOB, Cameroon separatist union], The Sun Nigeria, May 25, 2021. Accessed May 25, 2021.</ref>
According to a [[BBC News Pidgin]] report, the [[Nigerian Army]] raided the IPOB headquarters seizing weapons in a joint operation with State Services and IRT operatives (Nigerian Army Police Intelligence Response Team). Government officials described it as a success.<ref>{{Cite news|date=Apr 24, 2021|title=Oru East raid: Security forces enta IPOB HQ, kill Nnamdi Kanu deputy for Imo- Army|work=<nowiki>[[BBC News Pidgin]</nowiki>|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/media-56875349|access-date=Apr 24, 2021}}</ref>
In course of the insurgency, IPOB militants have been accused of committing war crimes such as murdering civilians, including children. One of the most notable attacks were the [[May 2022 Anambra State killings]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dailytrust.com/woman-4-kids-murdered-by-ipob-buried-in-anambra|date= 25 May 2022 |accessdate= 26 May 2022 |publisher= daily trust.com|title=Woman, 4 Kids Murdered By IPOB Buried In Anambra|last= Adeuyi|first= Seun}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/30/pro-biafra-militants-accused-of-killing-pregnant-woman-and-children-in-nigeria| title =Pro-Biafra militants accused of killing pregnant woman and children in Nigeria |author=Emmanuel Akinwotu| work = The Guardian | date = 30 May 2022 | access-date = 30 May 2022}}</ref>
== Activities outside Nigeria ==
=== United States ===
IPOB has sought support from the right-wing [[Trumpist]] movement in the [[United States]], and IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu attended a [[Donald Trump]] rally in [[Iowa]] as a special guest, at the invitation of the [[Republican Party of Iowa]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Nigeria's Biafra Separatists See Hope in Trump |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/nigeria-biafra-separatists-see-hope-donald-trump/3595549.html |work=VOA |date=14 November 2016 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bankole |first1=Idowu |title=Trump's rally: IPOB commends US over Kanu's VIP invitation |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/ipob-commends-us-over-kanus-vip-invitation-to-trumps-rally-says-leader-not-a-terrorist/amp/ |publisher=Vanguard |date=3 February 2020}}</ref>
Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a [[Country of Particular Concern]], which Nigerian journalist [[Garba Shehu]] alleges was a result of IPOB funding right-wing American lobbyists to influence U.S. foreign policy towards Nigeria.<ref>{{cite news |title=IPOB Spent Millions Of Dollars To Mislead US Government To Blacklist Nigeria Over Religious Freedom Violations—Buhari Presidency {{!}} Sahara Reporters |url=https://saharareporters.com/2021/11/19/ipob-spent-millions-dollars-mislead-us-government-blacklist-nigeria-over-religious |work=saharareporters.com}}</ref> [[Bruce Fein]], a conservative American lawyer, has frequently spoken out in support of IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nnamdi Kanu's US Lawyer, Bruce Fein Writes President Buhari To Release IPOB Leader, End Prosecution Or Face Wrath Of God {{!}} Sahara Reporters |url=https://saharareporters.com/2023/01/06/nnamdi-kanus-us-lawyer-bruce-fein-writes-president-buhari-release-ipob-leader-end |work=saharareporters.com}}</ref>
After defeating Trump in the 2020 presidential election, [[Joe Biden]] reversed the decision to designate Nigeria as a country violating religious freedom, resulting in criticism from Christian and right-wing groups and lawmakers in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=US lawmakers ask Biden to re-designate Nigeria as religious freedom violator |url=https://www.thecable.ng/us-lawmakers-ask-biden-to-relist-nigeria-as-country-of-concern-for-violations-of-religious-freedom/ |work=TheCable |date=2 February 2023}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Radio Biafra]]
* [[Republic of Biafra]]
* [[Nigerian Civil War]]
* [[Flag of Biafra|The Flag of Biafra]]
* [[Igbo people]]
* [[Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta]]
* [[Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force]]
* [[Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra]]
* [[Biafra Liberation Army]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.ipob.org/]
*[http://radiobiafra.co/]
*[http://www.thebiafratimes.co/]
*[https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/11/peaceful-pro-biafra-activists-killed-in-chilling-crackdown/ Peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling crackdown] ([[Amnesty International]])
* [https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/11/biafra-existed-500-yrs-before-nigeria-was-created-emekesiri-original-founder-of-ipob/ Biafra existed 500 yrs before Nigeria was created — Emekesiri, original founder of IPOB]
* [https://radiobiafra.co/council-of-elders-of-indigenous-people-of-biafra/ COUNCIL OF ELDERS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA]
{{Biafra topics}}
[[Category:People from Biafra]]
[[Category:Independence movements]]
[[Category:Politics of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Separatism in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Secessionist organizations]]
[[Category:Political parties of minorities in Nigeria]]