- Hails International Community For Partnership In Fight Against Terrorism
- Says It’s A Step Towards His Extradition To Nigeria To Face Justice
- Reveals Military Troops Have Eliminated Notorious Terrorist, 114 Others
The Defence Headquarters has hailed the arrest of separatist leader, Simon Ekpa by Finnish Police.
The Matrix had earlier reported that Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Ekpa has been arrested in Finland alongside four others for alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Known for his self-styled role as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, Ekpa was apprehended following investigations by Finnish authorities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa in custody on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police, in a statement on Thursday, November 21, confirmed the arrests, describing Ekpa as the primary suspect.
According to the police, Ekpa is accused of promoting violence and other criminal activities in Southeastern Nigeria through his social media platforms.
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen stated, “The suspect has used social media channels to incite violence against civilians and authorities.”
The four other individuals detained are accused of financing these activities. The Finnish police emphasized that international collaboration has been essential in advancing the investigation.
Court proceedings began earlier today, with Finnish authorities asserting their commitment to uncovering the full extent of the alleged crimes.
Reacting to the development, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in their separate statement, described the arrest as a key victory in the anti-terror fight.
The spokespersons said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has expressed happiness over Ekpa’s arrest.
“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” Gusau said on Thursday.
Similarly, Buba said that Ekpa’s arrest is an indication that the international community is in synergy with Nigeria in its efforts to fight terrorism.
READ ALSO: Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa Responds To Extradition Threat
“The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fueling terrorism in SE Nigeria,” Buba said.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with the Nigerian government in our fight against terrorism.”
The Defence Headquarters had on March 23 declared Ekpa wanted for inciting violence in the South-East part of Nigeria.
He was declared wanted alongside 96 other terrorists across the country.
In another development, DHQ has disclosed that troops have killed a notorious terrorist commander named Munzur Ya Audu in the North-east and 114 others through well-executed operations across the country.
Buba, a major general, made this known while briefing journalists on the military’s operations on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Buba said that serious efforts had been placed to dismantle the capabilities as well as destroy the networks of the terror groups.
He added that troops were also actively targeting terrorist logistics bases and other structures that had an affiliation with terror groups.
READ ALSO: Simon Ekpa Arrested In Finland Over Terrorism Allegations
“During the week under review, troops neutralised 115, arrested 238 and rescued 138 kidnapped hostages.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 ammunition, comprising one GPMG, two PKT guns, 68 AK47 rifles, two AK56 rifles and 24 fabricated rifles.
“Also recovered are 28 Dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, six locally made pistols, one pistol, eight pump action guns, one hand grenade, four fabricated hand grenades, one RPG bomb and three explosives.
“Others are 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG/PKM ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, 500 empty cases of MG ammo and 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo,” he said.
In the North-east, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 61 terrorists, apprehended 34 suspects and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages within the week.
In the North-central, he said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed 18 violent extremists, captured 48 persons and rescued 48 kidnapped hostages.
In the North-west, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, killed 28 terrorists, apprehended 77 others and rescued 57 kidnapped hostages.
Mr Buba said the air component conducted air interdiction on the hibernating terrorists at notorious terrorist kingpins Sadiku’s and Sola’s in Safana and Batsari areas of Katsina State.
“The air component acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated, and their structures were destroyed.
