Overview
In the South East, where post-Biafran war nationalism continues to simmer, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the 'Independent Peoples of Biafra' movement (IPOB), announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) on 12 Dec 2020. The stated aim was to act as a regional security force to protect people against Fulani raiders. However, as IPOB is proscribed as a terrorist organisation, the Nigerian government saw the ESN as a direct threat to its authority. It deployed the army to locate and destroy ESN bases.
Escalating Conflict
On 22 Jan 21, the conflict escalated when the Nigerian Army moved to crush the ESN in a military operation in Orlu town, Imo State. The ESN repulsed the Nigerian Army's initial push into Orlu but at the cost of considerable loss of civilian life and the burning of many properties. The military confrontation lasted for seven days until ESN declared a unilateral ceasefire, and both sides withdrew from the city.
IPOB accused the Nigerian Army of working in collaboration with the governor of Imo state to continue the harassment and intimidation of civilians in Orlu and environs. On 15 Feb 21, the military recommenced operations and, on 18 Feb 21, they launched an airstrike in Orlu, prompting IPOB to issue a declaration of war. Since then, the ESN has conducted many attacks on both police and military outposts, killing and injuring many security personnel. However, to further complicate matters, ESN has also attacked Fulani settlements (their original raison d'etre) and reportedly killed Hausa traders in Orlu. This ethnic targeting has prompted a northern outcry, with the Arewa youth movement now beginning a '# IgboMustGo' campaign that potentially threatens a reprise of the bloodletting in northern cities that prompted the '67 Biafran war.
On 23 Mar 21, The military mounted a major operation against the ESN, raiding an ESN camp in Aba, Abia State. The Nigerian force, numbering hundreds, captured the camp and claimed to have killed 16 ESN fighters. On 26 Mar 21, in the face of mounting criticism over the burgeoning security challenges, the President summarily 'retired' all four service chiefs and promoted replacements.
In what is seen as a demonstration of their growing capability, the ESN has been blamed for a complex attack in Owerri city in the early hours of 5 Apr 21. During which, gunmen assaulted the divisional police HQ whilst using explosives to breach the nearby prison and facilitate the escape of 1,844 prisoners. An attempt to breach the police armoury failed.
This increasingly bloody military intervention does not appear to be deterring ESN operations. Indeed, their attacks on military and police checkpoints continue unabated. Against a background of national discontent and open discussion about the country's resilience in maintaining unity, ESN militancy's apparent strengthening is another challenge to the Nigerian government. There must be questions about how the ESN has secretly been trained and resourced with weapons and ammunition.