Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), says Simon Ekpa’s arrest reduced tensions in the south-east.
Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by Finnish authorities two months ago.
The Nigerian-Finnish citizen was subsequently sent to prison for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”.
Finnish police believe Ekpa’s activities and social media rhetoric may have fueled unrest in Nigeria’s south-east.
The CDS spoke in Abuja on Tuesday when he appeared before the house of representatives committee on defence to defend the 2025 budget proposal.
Musa said the army’s recent operations in the region have started to yield results after Ekpa’s incarceration.
“With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the tension in the south-east has greatly reduced,” the CDS said.
“Also with operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership of these groups, taking them out, and making sure that the place is peaceful.
“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, like I always say, that we need local support because without it, it’s difficult.
“You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”
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