The Network of Civil Society Organisations has called on the Federal Government to release the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally and implement comprehensive security reforms in Southeast Nigeria, citing escalating tensions and economic disruption in the region.
During a press conference in Aba, Abia State, on Wednesday, January 15, the coalition highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the Southeast, 55 years after the Nigerian Civil War. The groups stated that the current crisis stems from long-standing marginalisation and inadequate leadership at various government levels.

“The situation in the Southeast is complex and multifaceted, as the region has become a powder keg of discontent,” said Obinna Nwagbara, Executive Director of Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative, speaking on behalf of the coalition. He noted that the proscription of IPOB and Kanu’s continued detention have significantly contributed to regional tensions.
The coalition identified several critical issues affecting the region, including security forces’ conduct, economic disruption, and the impact on vulnerable populations. They particularly highlighted the widespread practice of extortion at security checkpoints, describing it as “brazen and unprecedented,” despite complaints raised at the National Assembly by Southeast representatives.
The groups criticised the federal government’s approach to regional grievances, pointing out that the Southeast has the least representation in states, local government areas, political appointments, and federal presence. “Rather than engage in meaningful dialogue with the agitators for Biafra and stakeholders from the southeast, Nigeria has chosen the use of force,” they said.
The coalition expressed concern about the impact of security measures and sit-at-home orders on education and commerce. Since May 2021, schools have been forced to close every Monday, leading to significant disruption in children’s education. The groups warned that this situation risks creating a generation of young people disconnected from the Nigerian state.
Women and vulnerable populations have been disproportionately affected by the crisis, according to the coalition. Market closures on Mondays have severely impacted women who rely on daily trading for income, leading to increased household poverty and nutritional challenges for children.
The coalition presented eight key demands, including prioritisation of security and welfare in the Southeast by all levels of government and non-state actors; unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; establishment of dialogue between the federal government and Biafran agitators; reform of security checkpoints and elimination of extortion; and proper implementation of the newly established Southeast Development Commission.
Furthermore, the groups called on Southeast governors to officially recognise May 30 as a Memorial Day, arguing this could help prevent violence associated with unofficial commemorations. They cited the recent killing of five soldiers in Aba and civilians across the region during this year’s unofficial observance.

They emphasised that suppressing Igbo voices would not resolve underlying issues. “It is the right of citizens to protest when they feel they are not getting justice, and the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right,” they stated.
The coalition acknowledged President Tinubu’s establishment of the Southeast Development Commission but stressed the need for effective implementation. They also called on state governors and local government chairmen to be more proactive in regional development efforts.
The coalition concluded by emphasising the need for national healing through dialogue. “When we listen to each other with an open mind, we can find common ground and move towards reconciliation,” they noted.
The press conference highlighted the complex interplay between historical grievances, current security challenges, and socio-economic issues affecting the Southeast region.
The groups warned that continued neglect of these issues risks deepening existing divisions and potentially fostering more intense separatist sentiments among younger generations.
The coalition comprises six civil society organisations, namely Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative, Vivacious Development Initiative, Onyedinma Foundation, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Initiative for Grassroots Interventions and Development in Education (IGIDE), and Society for Human Rights Advocacy and Development (SOHAD).
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