The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticized the Nigerian military over recent comments made by Major-General Michael Onoja, who claimed that security in the South-East has improved partly due to Kanu’s detention.
In a statement, the family rejected the suggestion, describing it as false, insulting, and a deliberate attempt to shift focus from the government’s failure to address the root causes of insecurity in the region. They insisted that Kanu is not responsible for the violence in the South-East, and that his continued detention has done nothing to stop attacks, kidnappings, and killings that still occur across several states.
The family further stated that even while in detention, Kanu has consistently called for peace and non-violence, urging for dialogue and political solutions. They accused the military of turning a blind eye to real issues such as marginalization, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and human rights abuses—factors they believe contribute more directly to regional instability.
They warned that politicizing security matters and using Kanu’s name for propaganda will not bring lasting peace, and urged the Nigerian government to pursue genuine dialogue rather than repression.
The statement adds to the growing debate over how the Nigerian government is handling the South-East crisis, and whether its security strategies are effective or simply deepening public distrust.
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