IPOB denies Nigerian military claims of ESN involvement in attacks

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued warnings to the Nigerian government and security forces following recent military operations in the South-East region. The group denied allegations from the Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, that the Eastern Security Network (ESN) is responsible for attacks on security agents.

IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful stated that the ESN's purpose is to resist terrorists, bandits, and herdsmen rather than target security personnel. The group accused the government of using such allegations as a justification to launch military operations against unarmed civilians in the South-East and South-South regions.

Additionally, IPOB refuted claims by the Nigerian Army regarding a joint operation in the Lilu area of Anambra State. While the Army reported dislodging a stronghold of IPOB and ESN, the group maintains it has no camps in the Ihiala Local Government Area and asserted that the individuals killed by the military were not members of the secessionist group.