| Eastern Security Network | |
|---|---|
| Leaders | Nnamdi Kanu "Commander Ikonso" †[1] |
| Allegiance |  Biafra (IPOB) |
| Ideology | Biafran separatism |
| Allies |  Ambazonia (AGovC) |
| Opponents |  Nigeria |
| Battles and wars | Insurgency in Eastern Nigeria |
The Eastern Security Network (ESN) is the paramilitary organization of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafra separatist movement.[2][3][4][5][6] The IPOB is designated as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.[2][6]
History edit
Background edit
The Igbo people lost the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, during which they attempted to secede from Nigeria and establish an independent government in Biafra. There remains residual support for the independence of Biafra among the Igbos. In addition, may Igbos, who are mostly Christian, consider that they are disadvantaged under the current Nigerian government, which is Muslim-dominated.[3][7]
Formation edit
According to Bloomberg, the IPOB formed the ESN in December 2020, "to protect the oil-rich southeastern region against incursions by ethnic Fulani herders it accuses of grazing on farmlands and committing crimes against local residents".[4]
2021 edit
In swift response to the deaths of 20 security personnel in the region in early 2021 by unknown gunmen, including the destruction of three police stations, Nigerian forces raided an ESN camp in Aba, Abia on the night of 23 March 2021. The Nigerian force, numbering hundreds, captured the camp and claimed to have killed 16 ESN fighters.[8] On 29 March the Nigerian police reported arresting 16 ESN members suspected of attacking security personnel.[9]
The Nigerian police blamed the ESN for a prison raid in Owerri on 5 April 2021 in what seemed to be a hasty investigation. A report that was later refuted by the Governor of the state.[10] The attack was made at 2:15 am by gunmen who used explosives to breach the administration block. 1,844 prisoners escaped with the help of the gunmen. By the following day six of the escaped prisoners had voluntarily returned to the prison.[11] An attempt to enter the armoury at the nearby police headquarters was deterred.[10]
References edit
- ^ Killing of ESN top commander: Hope Uzodinma has stirred hornet nest — IPOB, Vanguard, Apr 24, 2021. Accessed Apr 24, 2021.
- ^ a b Ezeamalu, Ben; Maclean, Ruth (2021-04-06). "More Than 1,800 Prisoners Are Broken Out of Jail in Nigeria". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ a b Parkinson, Gbenga Akingbule and Joe (2021-04-06). "Nigeria Prison Attack Frees 1,800 Inmates". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ a b "Nigerian Prison Attack Frees 1,800; Buhari Labels it Terrorism". Bloomberg.com. 2021-04-06. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ Owolabi, Tife (2021-04-06). "Gunmen free more than 1,800 inmates in attack on Nigerian prison". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ a b "Nearly 2,000 prisoners escape jail in south-east Nigeria". the Guardian. 2021-04-05. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ "Security Deteriorating in Nigeria's Former "Biafra"". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ "Nigerian Army, Police Kill 16 IPOB's Eastern Security Network Operatives In Abia allegedly". Sahara Reporters. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ "Police arrest 16 IPOB ESN members for allegedly killing security operatives in Southeast". The Guardian Nigeria News. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Nearly 2,000 prisoners escape jail in south-east Nigeria". The Guardian. 5 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ^ "How gunmen attacked Owerri prison, freed 1,844 inmates - Official". Premium Times, Nigeria. 5 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.