The Nigerian military says security has improved across the South-East following intensified operations and the imprisonment of separatist leaders Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa.
Defence Media Operations Director, Major General Michael Onoja, said crimes have dropped significantly over the past year, crediting troop deployments and recent court rulings against the two men.
According to him, the detentions have weakened separatist groups and reduced their ability to carry out attacks.
Nnamdi Kanu, founder of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was sentenced to life imprisonment in November after being convicted on terrorism-related charges.
It was a verdict that sparked strong reactions within Nigeria and abroad.
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based activist linked to a breakaway IPOB faction, was also convicted in Finland in September and handed a multi-year jail term.
The military believes both convictions have dealt a major blow to separatist activities in the region.
But critics disagree.
The Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Defence Consortium dismissed the army’s claims, describing them as “a cynical rewriting of history.” The group argued that reduced violence cannot be equated with real security if it is driven by fear, alleged abuses, or heavy military presence.
They called for independent investigations into reported rights violations.
The military insists operations will continue to protect lives and property and prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
