The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticized the Federal Government over its inclusion in a newly released terrorism-related list, describing the move as an attempt to wrongly label its activities and mislead both Nigerians and the global community.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the reaction came on Monday, April 13, 2026, through a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
The list, which surfaced on Saturday, contains 48 individuals and 12 organisations said to have connections with funding terrorist activities.
The list was published on the platform of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, a body working under the Office of the National Security Adviser. It included details such as nationalities, alleged roles, and links to groups considered dangerous to national security.
Among those named were several individuals and organisations, including groups like Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan, ISWAP, and IPOB. Some business entities were also listed, such as West and East Africa General Trading Company, Settings Bureau De Change, and Eagle Square General Trading Company.
In its response, IPOB denied any involvement in terrorism or related funding. The group maintained that its campaign is focused on self-determination and insisted that it should not be treated as a violent organisation.
The group also accused the Nigerian government of using force against its members during peaceful activities in the South-East, alleging that gatherings and protests have often been disrupted by security agencies. It claimed that civilians, including women and children, have been affected during such incidents.
IPOB further pointed to past events, including the Nigerian Civil War, stating that the region has a long history of suffering and injustice. It also raised concerns about the arrest and continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as part of a broader pattern of actions against the group.
Questioning the purpose of the terrorism list, IPOB argued that the move was aimed at silencing opposing voices rather than addressing real security concerns. The group said it remains committed to its cause and will continue its agitation despite the pressure.
