The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent improvement in security in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone to the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland and the coordinated actions of Nigerian military forces.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, General Musa confirmed that Ekpa, arrested in November 2024 on terrorism-related charges, remains under prosecution by Finnish authorities. “He is still undergoing prosecution in Finland. So, we are hopeful. When we talked about him, people thought we were making noise, but since he has been arrested, the Southeast is getting better,” Musa said.

The CDS revealed that Nigerian troops have launched targeted operations to apprehend Ekpa’s lieutenants across the Southeast, including Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. “We are going to go after the likes of him, wherever they are, and whatever it takes until we bring them down,” he said.

General Musa also highlighted the recent arrests of Ansaru terrorist commanders, calling the operation a “good win for all of us.” He credited the synergy among the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and Navy for the successful execution of coordinated anti-terror operations. “What has changed is that we have synergy with all the organisations… and that is why we have seen all the successes,” Musa explained.

Looking ahead, the Defence Headquarters plans to host an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference starting Monday, aimed at fostering continental coordination and enhancing the fight against terrorism and insurgency across Africa.

Musa’s comments underscore the Nigerian military’s commitment to sustained operations against separatist and terrorist groups, highlighting both domestic and international collaboration as key to maintaining stability in the Southeast region.