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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a strong statement commending a group of United States lawmakers and international voices for what it described as a “timely and courageous intervention” in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s deepening security and humanitarian challenges.
In a press statement released on March 26, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the pro-Biafra group specifically praised Mr. Mark Arnold alongside members of the U.S. Congress for speaking out on the situation in Nigeria. IPOB claimed that their intervention has helped bring international focus to what it described as ongoing violence affecting various communities, particularly in parts of the country.
The group argued that the statements by the U.S. figures have “pierced the veil of international silence,” alleging that global actors have for too long failed to adequately address the scale of insecurity and killings in Nigeria. IPOB further stated that history would remember those who, in its view, chose to “speak truth to power” rather than remain silent.
In its remarks, IPOB reiterated long-standing claims made by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that earlier warnings about Nigeria’s trajectory were being validated by current developments. The group maintained that recent incidents of violence across regions such as the Middle Belt, Southern Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue reflect a worsening national crisis.
The statement also referenced growing concerns about insecurity in parts of southwestern Nigeria, suggesting that the situation is spreading beyond traditionally affected areas. However, these claims remain part of IPOB’s perspective and have been contested by government officials, who continue to insist that security agencies are actively addressing threats across the country.
IPOB went on to describe the southeastern region as relatively secure, attributing this to the activities of its Eastern Security Network (ESN), a group it established. Nigerian authorities, however, have repeatedly declared ESN an unlawful organization and have linked it to various security incidents, a claim IPOB denies.
Central to IPOB’s message was a renewed call for a United Nations-supervised referendum to determine the political future of the southeastern region. The group described this demand as “non-negotiable,” arguing that it represents the only peaceful and democratic solution to longstanding grievances.
According to the statement, a referendum would provide an opportunity for people in the region to decide their political status through internationally recognized means. IPOB insisted that attempts to suppress such demands through military action or political pressure could further escalate tensions and deepen instability.
“The only civilized, lawful, and sustainable solution capable of halting the cycle of bloodshed,” the statement read, “is a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum.”
The group also used the opportunity to rally its supporters both within Nigeria and across the global diaspora. It called for increased advocacy and diplomatic engagement, urging sympathizers to continue raising awareness about its cause on international platforms.
IPOB further framed its campaign as a struggle for self-determination, emphasizing what it described as the sacrifices and resilience of its members. It expressed gratitude to supporters who have continued to promote the Biafran cause despite legal, political, and security pressures.
The statement concluded with a warning that Nigeria, “as currently constituted,” risks further instability if underlying issues are not addressed. IPOB maintained that only structural changes, including the possibility of self-determination, could prevent what it described as a looming national crisis.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, and separatist tensions in the southeast. The federal government has consistently rejected calls for secession, emphasizing national unity while pursuing various security and political reforms.
Meanwhile, international stakeholders, including foreign governments and human rights organizations, continue to monitor developments in Nigeria, often calling for improved security measures, protection of civilians, and dialogue among stakeholders.
IPOB’s latest statement adds to ongoing debates about governance, security, and the future of Nigeria’s federal structure. While the group maintains its position on self-determination, authorities have reiterated their commitment to preserving the country’s territorial integrity.
As discussions continue both domestically and internationally, the situation underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s political and security landscape, with differing perspectives on the causes of unrest and the pathways toward lasting peace.
