The pro-Biafran group described as false, the claims by the military, saying it was rather a calculated attempt by the Federal Government to blackmail IPOB anytime they invaded any criminal hideout.
This is contained in a statement by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Saturday.
He said, “We have said it before now that the Eastern Security Network operatives do not have any camp in Amangwu Ohafia LGA. All the criminal camps that the Nigeria Army have claimed to have invaded are not the ESN camps. The ESN don’t indulge in kidnapping and ransom collection from innocent citizens who eventually lead military to those camps.
“The security agencies particularly the military, police, and the Department of State Service agents must stop their continuous blackmail and demonisation of IPOB and the ESN operatives who are Biafra independence.
“The Federal Government knows that we are innocent in all their allegations. The media should do investigative journalism and not allow the government and their security agents to use and influence them against IPOB.
“The ESN has no business or hand in the kidnapping of army officer in Ebem Ohafia. For the Nigerian Army to claim that they raided the hideouts of IPOB or the ESN in Amangu community, Abia State, in attempt to rescue an abducted soldier, staff sergeant Bassey Ikunugwan, is false.
“If there is any such camp in Amangwu Community Ohafia, it is not the ESN camp and those armed gang at the camp are not working for IPOB.
“It is a calculated attempt by the Nigerian authorities to blackmail IPOB anytime they invade any criminal hideout. This type of blackmail is no longer holding waters. It simply doesn’t work anymore. We advise Nigeria Government and it’s security agencies to change to another blackmailing format. This one has failed!
“IPOB and our ESN Operatives are disciplined gallant men and women who protect our people and do not engage in any criminality or kidnapping and snatching of cars.”
