Abuja – January 2, 2026
The Nigerian military has announced a significant improvement in security across the South-East region, crediting sustained troop operations under Operation UDO KA and the judicial actions against separatist leaders Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa. Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted a marked reduction in crimes and criminal activities over the past year in a statement issued on January 1, 2026.
Onoja stated that the intensified military efforts, combined with Ekpa's imprisonment in Finland and Kanu's ongoing detention in Nigeria, have substantially weakened the operational capabilities of separatist groups linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its factions. "Crimes and other criminal activities have significantly decreased during the year following troops’ intensified operations across the South-Eastern states, as well as the recent court rulings against their leader, Simon Ekpa, who was jailed by the Government of the Republic of Finland, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu," he said.
The general explained that prior to these developments, extremists frequently targeted lightly defended security checkpoints and outposts, resulting in fatalities among personnel and the seizure of weapons that fueled subsequent attacks. These incidents, often attributed to unknown gunmen in the region, had contributed to heightened insecurity, including enforced sit-at-home orders and violence against civilians and security forces.
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based activist leading a breakaway IPOB faction, was sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court in September 2025 on terrorism-related charges, including incitement to violence in Nigeria's South-East. Nnamdi Kanu, founder of IPOB, remains in detention following his extradition and conviction on terrorism charges, with his case drawing international attention.
The military's assessment comes as part of a broader review of 2025 operations, where similar successes were reported in other zones, including the deactivation of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta. Onoja emphasized that troops would maintain momentum to consolidate gains, safeguard lives and property, and deter any attempts by criminal elements to regroup.
The South-East has grappled with insecurity since around 2021, characterized by attacks on police stations, prisons, and electoral facilities, alongside Monday sit-at-home enforcements that disrupted economic activities. While the federal government and military have consistently labeled these acts as terrorism, IPOB has denied direct involvement, attributing some violence to state-sponsored agents or criminals exploiting the situation.
Critics, including Kanu's defence team and IPOB spokespersons, have rejected the military's claims. The Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Defence Consortium described Onoja's statement as "dishonest and historically illiterate," accusing the military of manufacturing the crisis it now claims to resolve through alleged abuses and false-flag operations. IPOB called for an international inquiry, arguing that reduced overt violence stems from repression rather than genuine peace.
Analysts note that while reported incidents of gunmen attacks have declined in recent months, underlying grievances—such as marginalization perceptions and calls for self-determination—persist. Economic impacts from past disruptions, including enforced lockdowns, have been severe, with businesses and schools frequently affected.
Major General Onoja's role as Director of Defence Media Operations involves coordinating public communication on military activities. His comments align with official narratives emphasizing non-kinetic approaches alongside kinetic operations to address root causes.
As Nigeria enters 2026, security in the South-East remains a focal point for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with ongoing deployments and community engagement initiatives. The military has urged residents to cooperate by providing intelligence on suspicious activities.
Human rights groups continue to monitor the situation, documenting allegations of extrajudicial actions by security forces while acknowledging reductions in certain forms of violence. The debate over causes and solutions underscores the complex interplay of politics, ethnicity, and criminality in the region.
The armed forces' commitment to sustained operations reflects broader national security priorities, including countering insurgency in the North-East and banditry elsewhere. With elections approaching in 2027, stability in the South-East could influence political dynamics and voter participation.
