The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Ndigbo in Nigeria and the global diaspora to return home for the Christmas and New Year festivities, giving assurances of strengthened security across the South-East during the Yuletide.
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the region as Nigeria’s “most tranquil zone,” insisting that security conditions had significantly improved despite what he termed “sponsored instability” witnessed in recent years.
Powerful urged residents and returnees to disregard what he described as ongoing propaganda targeted at IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), maintaining that both groups—supported by local communities—had contributed meaningfully to maintaining relative peace in the region.
“The worldwide family and movement of IPOB, expertly guided by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urges Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad who plan to come home for the Christmas festivities to do so, as ESN operatives and IPOB volunteers will ensure security throughout the entire South-East region,” the statement read.
He added that the calm experienced across the South-East reflects the inherently peaceful disposition of the Igbo people, while encouraging indigenes to also channel investments homeward.
The group dismissed social media claims alleging a kidnapping incident at Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, describing the circulating video as “old” and “false.” It further clarified that ESN operations are intentionally discreet and that the network maintains no official social media accounts.
According to Powerful, the reduced rate of violent incidents and abductions in the region is “evidence that there are Lions guarding the land.” He accused the Federal Government and some Igbo politicians of failed attempts to “break up” IPOB and ESN, insisting that the broader Biafra restoration movement remains “a sacred initiative.”
The group encouraged Ndigbo to return home in large numbers for Christmas, urging them not to allow fear-based narratives to discourage travel or investment in the region.
