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Revision as of 04:12, 20 February 2021 by Mikrobølgeovn (talk | contribs) (→Formation: If "multiple sources" confirmed that two helicopters were downed, why could you not provide a single one?)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Eastern Security Network | |
|---|---|
 Flag of the ESN | |
| Leader | Nnamdi Kanu |
| Allegiance | Indigenous People of Biafra |
| Ideology | Biafran nationalism |
| Battles and wars | Orlu Crisis |
The Eastern Security Network (ESN) is a regional security force and a paramilitary wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a movement whose aim is to restore the independence of Biafra, which has been defunct since the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War. The ESN´s stated goal is to combat Fulani Terrorist & raiders in the Biafra region, which corresponds roughly to areas belonging to the old Eastern Region of Nigeria mainly today´s South-South and South-East zones.
The ESN was founded by the IPOB Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on 12 December 2020 and commenced operations almost immediately following his proclamation of its creation in a broadcast.
Eastern Security Network have gain recognitions and accolades from so may prominent politicians , journalist , statemen and some Igbo groups such as World Igbo Congress . Politicians like Enyinnaya Abaribe and journalist Dele Momodu with others has applaud the effort of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Worldwide for establishing the Eastern Security Network for the defense of The Old Eastern (Biafra) People from the Fulani terrorist both those from the core Arewa Northern Nigeria and those flooding in from the Sahel.
History
Background
The IPOB hierarchy have long stated they have no intention of going armed, but many of the movement's followers have long disagreed with that position believing that the frequent crackdown on the group by the Nigerian Army and Police justifies them taking up arms to defend themselves. This was especially after the clampdown during the Operation Python Dance when an attack on the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Afaraukwu-Ibeku resulted in dozens of the group's members dead and the disappearance of the IPOB leader himself whom many feared had been killed by the army.
Formation
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, announced the formation of the ESN on December 12, 2020. The stated aim was to act as a regional security force to protect people against Fulani raiders. However, the Nigerian government saw the ESN as a threat to its authority and Fulani led Nigeria Government's interest, and deployed the army to locate and destroy ESN bases. This escalated with the outbreak of the Orlu Crisis a month later. The military confrontation lasted for seven days, until ESN declared a unilateral ceasefire and both sides withdrew from the city.
Shortly after the Orlu Crisis, IPOB gave all the governors of southeast Nigeria 14 days to ban open grazing, threatening to deploy the ESN to enforce a ban if the authorities did not do so. However, the ESN did not wait 14 days; a few days later, ESN operatives attacked a Fulani camp in Isuikwuato, Abia State, killing their livestock and burning down their houses. Following the raid, some governors responded by heeding the ESN's call and banning open grazing.
IPOB accused the Nigerian Army of working in collaboration with the governor of Imo state of continuing the harassment and intimidation of civilians in Orlu and environs especially the arrest of a rabbi and his family members, whom it was reported were being turtured. Beginning from 15th February there were reports of Nigerian army sending reinforcements to Orlu. On the 18th of February 2021 Nigeria Military launched an airstrike in Orlu, Imo state; the IPOB issued a swift statement through its State Directorate asserting that "they have finally brought the war upon the Biafran people."
References
- Allison, Simon. "Mystery of the missing Biafran separatist". The M&G Online. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
- Tension grips Nigerian city as separatist leader goes missing, Reuters, October 3, 2017. Accessed Feb 2, 2021.
- Nigerian Soldiers Resigned To Join Kanu’s Eastern Network – Military Sources, Sahara Reporters, Jan 22, 2021. Accessed Jan 22, 2021.
- Military Jet Combs Orlu Communities For ESN Operatives After Failed Land Combat, Sahara Reporters, Jan 27, 2021. Accessed Jan 28, 2021.
- Orlu: Nnamdi Kanu orders ESN to ceasefire against Army, watchful of Fulani herdsmen, Daily Post, Jan 28, 2021. Accessed Jan 28, 2021.
- IPOB gives Southeast governors 14 days ultimatum to ban open grazing, The Nation, Jan 30, 2021. Accessed Jan 30, 2021.
- Herdsmen Flee As IPOB’s Eastern Security Network Invades Fulani Camp In Abia, Kills Many Cows, Sahara Reporters, Jan 31, 2021. Accessed Feb 1, 2021.
- IPOB hails Southeast Governors’ ban on open grazing, The Nation, Feb 2, 2021. Accessed Feb 2, 2021.
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