"Yes, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), remain active based on recent reports. IPOB has continued to issue statements through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, emphasizing ESN's role in protecting the South-East region from criminal activities, particularly those attributed to herdsmen and kidnappers. For instance, a December 2024 statement commended ESN for reducing kidnappings and terrorist attacks in the South-East and South-South regions, citing National Bureau of Statistics data. Additionally, posts on X from early April 2025 indicate ongoing support for ESN, with claims of their activities in Enugu and assurances of protection for farmers during the farming season.
However, there are conflicting narratives. The Nigerian government and security forces have accused ESN of violent activities, including attacks on security personnel and civilians, though IPOB consistently denies these claims, asserting ESN targets only criminal elements like herdsmen, not state forces. A November 2024 report noted an accidental explosion killing two suspected IPOB/ESN members in Imo State, suggesting continued operations but also operational risks.
IPOB also faces internal fragmentation, with factions like the one led by Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland in November 2024 for alleged terrorism financing, being disowned by Kanu’s supporters. Despite these challenges, IPOB’s public statements and regional activities indicate that both IPOB and ESN remain operational, focused on their stated goals of regional security and advocating for a Biafran referendum.
Always cross-check such reports, as narratives around IPOB and ESN are heavily polarized, with the Nigerian government labeling them as terrorists while they claim to be defenders of their people."
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