The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Office of the Leader and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both previously held by Nnamdi Kanu. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, by the Head of the Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem.
Reasons for the Suspension
Edoziem explained that the decision was taken in the interest of the organization's security, stability, and long-term objectives. He added that the measure aims to protect members of the movement worldwide, particularly those in the South-East, while also guarding against potential security threats.
The statement read: “Considering the enormous responsibility placed upon the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra to safeguard our operations and mission, protect IPOB family members worldwide, especially those in Biafraland, and prevent any security breach or emergency in Biafraland, the Directorate of State of IPOB has suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect the Office of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the position of Director of Radio Biafra previously held by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu until further notice.”
Preventing Unauthorized Actions
The group stated that the suspension is designed to stop individuals and organizations from claiming authority under the leadership office to carry out activities not sanctioned by IPOB. It maintained that any criminal act committed in the name of the suspended office should not be linked to the organization.
The statement added: “To halt and checkmate individuals and groups not affiliated with IPOB who claim to derive legitimacy from the existence of the now-suspended Office of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra to carry out actions that conflict with IPOB’s mission statement, any crime or criminal activity undertaken in the name of the suspended Office of the Leader shall not be attributed to IPOB, but solely to the individual or individuals responsible.
“IPOB shall henceforth not be held accountable for the actions of individuals or groups not holding any active position within IPOB, or for actions taken by persons not authorized by the Directorate of State to act on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra self-determination movement.”
Decision Process
The Directorate revealed that the decision followed deliberations at a full meeting held on June 17, 2026, where members concluded that the suspension was necessary for the collective interest of Biafrans. The statement stressed that IPOB was founded and sustained by Biafrans in the diaspora and should not be viewed as the creation of any single individual.
The group also rejected any attempt to dissolve the Directorate of State, describing such claims as invalid. According to the statement, any purported dissolution of the Directorate is “ab initio null and void,” and members as well as the public were urged to disregard such declarations.
Intelligence Reports and Security Concerns
Explaining the reasons behind the decision, the DOS cited intelligence reports, concerns over communications allegedly linked to arrests and fatalities among members, and fears of plans to establish an armed group capable of fueling renewed violence in the region.
The statement continued: “Having reviewed the intelligence report from the IPOB M-Branch regarding the meeting held a couple of weeks ago between operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), officers of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto Prison.
“Being fully aware that every visitor, activity and communication involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu within and outside Sokoto Prison is being monitored by the DSS. Mindful that certain unguarded communications from Sokoto Prison to individuals in Biafraland have resulted in unnecessary arrests and the deaths of IPOB family members;
“Cognizant of the fact that there is an ongoing plan by certain individuals to establish a new militia through which another round of violence may be unleashed in Biafraland. And knowing that the foundation has been laid for the eventual dissolution of the Indigenous People of Biafra movement through the purported dissolution of the Directorate of State.”
Commitment to Non-Violence
The Directorate reiterated its commitment to non-violent advocacy and insisted that the campaign for self-determination must not endanger the people it seeks to represent.
“We affirm that the pursuit of our inalienable right to self-determination is peaceful and non-violent and must never become a basis for causing harm, hardship or death to the very people we seek to liberate from the injustices and atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian system,” the statement added.
The DOS said that, in fulfillment of its responsibilities, it had resolved to keep the Office of the Leader suspended until a further review is conducted.
