The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on people of South-East Nigeria living within and outside Nigeria to travel home in large numbers for the Christmas celebrations, assuring that security across the South-East has significantly improved.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 7, 2025, and signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside IPOB volunteers, would ensure the safety of residents and visitors throughout the yuletide season.
According to the group, the South-East remains “Nigeria’s most tranquil area,” despite what it described as “sponsored instability” over the past four years.
IPOB insisted that attempts by unnamed political actors and criminal groups to create fear in the region had failed.
“Despite all the antics and deadly deeds of hyenas and jackals, the landowners remain present to defend and hold onto their territory,” the statement read.
“The Eastern region has consistently been secure and will always remain secure since Ndigbo are inherently peaceful.
“Thus, we urge Ndigbo and their friends wishing to visit Ala Igbo (Igboland, South-East) this Christmas to return home and experience the warmth of the Land of the Rising Sun.”
IPOB criticised what it called “funded and exaggerated media efforts” portraying the region as unsafe, acknowledging that while insecurity exists in parts of the South-East, the situation is far better compared to other parts of Nigeria.
The group also dismissed reports circulating online about a purported kidnapping of passengers near Ngor Okpala along the Owerri–Aba Expressway, describing the footage shared on social media as an old video.
“The mentioned kidnapping event was false. The footage of the abduction incident was an old clip that reappeared on social media,” IPOB stated.
It added that ESN operatives frequently carry out security operations without public attention and warned that ESN has no official social media accounts.
“The absence of continuous killings and abductions in the Eastern region serves as evidence that there are Lions guarding the Land.
“Those spreading the falsehood that ESN operatives have been wiped out should question the Fulani terrorists about their avoidance of the Eastern region,” IPOB said, citing an Igbo proverb: “Onye si na Osimmiri atala, ya tinye ukwu ya” (whoever claims a river is dry should place their feet in it).
IPOB further alleged that both the Nigerian government and some “self-serving Igbo politicians” had made failed attempts to dismantle the organisation and its security network.
It described the movement for Biafra restoration as a “sacred initiative” that cannot be suppressed.
In its Christmas message, the group urged the people of the South-East to return home with confidence and consider bringing investments into the region.
“Do not allow anyone or the government to use fear tactics to make you abandon Biafra Land,” IPOB said, wishing travellers a safe journey across land, sea and air.
