DHQ hails Simon Ekpa's arrest and hopes he will be extradited to Nigeria to face justice

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has praised the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities. Simon Ekpa had previously been arrested in Finland for terrorism-related offenses and detained. On March 23, 2024, the Defence Headquarters declared him wanted for inciting violence in Nigeria's South-East region, along with 96 other individuals classified as terrorists nationwide.

In a statement on November 21, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared the reaction of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who welcomed the international community's cooperation with Nigeria in combating terrorism. “The CDS has consistently called for Simon Ekpa’s arrest due to his significant role in promoting terrorism in South-East Nigeria. We are pleased with his apprehension and value the international collaboration in this effort,” Buba said.

He further noted that General Musa is optimistic that Ekpa’s arrest in Finland is a step toward his extradition to Nigeria, where he will face justice.