IPOB Raises Alarm Over State-Backed Crackdown Against It’s Members In Anambra State

Awka, Anambra State — September 1, 2025,

In Nigeria’s southeast, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over what it calls a coordinated campaign of repression against its members in Anambra State. In a strongly worded statement released by Mazi Chinasa Nworu of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS), the movement accused Governor Charles Soludo of sanctioning a sweeping security operation designed to “eliminate all IPOB members” under the guise of stabilizing the region ahead of upcoming elections.

The movement contends that vigilante outfits such as “Udo gachi” and “Agunechemba” have been tasked with eliminating IPOB members. It further informed that Soludo approved the deployment of additional Nigerian military units, which over the weekend stormed Ogbaru communities, including Osamara and Ogbaku, abducting more than 300 young men. IPOB said the abduction also swept up those passing by and spectators at football viewing centers, with victims reportedly moved to undisclosed facilities in Awka.

Read the statement in full:

“Reports reaching IPOB intelligence unit has it that the Anambra security group formed by Soludo , the likes of “Udo gachi and Agunechemba “ have been instructed by the Soludo government to eliminate all IPOB members in Anambra and to that effect they promised they’re going to carry out the order as instructed.

In addition Soludo approved the deployment of new set of Nigerian military that invaded Ogbaru community this weekend arrested over 300 youths in Osamara, and Ogbaku in Ogbaru Anambra , including those passing by and spectators at football viewing centers. Most of them have been moved to secret detention facilities in Awka , Anambra state capital.

These military operations against youths in these communities was because they suspected that after their meetings on how to handle the up coming election they claim IPOB members might pose a threat to the election, also another issues arose regarding land allocation to certain Fulani settlers in Anambra North which they claim IPOB/ESN would definitely oppose the allocation.

For these reasons they’re have decided and concluded that IPOB members in Anambra must be hunted down.

This is how they cause insecurity in the state . Let me make it very clear, IPOB/ ESN will not fold their hands any longer and allowed their members to be killed in cold blood .

Nobody is condemning the activities of these murderous agents in Anambra. Remember IPOB/ESN have capacity to defend and revenge for the death of their members.

Soludo and his murderous security should be warned to leave IPOB/ESN Members alone.

IPOB/ESN Shutting down Anambra is a child’s play but to avoid had I know people close to soludo should advise him .”

The allegations place Soludo’s security strategy under intensified scrutiny. Since assuming office, the governor—who once pledged to deliver “solutions” to Anambra’s challenges—has instead pursued policies that many argue have deepened those very problems, particularly insecurity.

With no official response from the Anambra State Government nor the Nigerian military at the time of this report, citizens are left not only fearful of violence but distrustful of a government that appears more invested in coercion against peaceful citizens in a plot to end their demand for a referendum than engage in dialogue.