Finnish authorities announced Thursday the arrest of five individuals suspected of involvement in deadly violence in southeastern Nigeria.
Among the detained is a Finnish-Nigerian citizen born in the 1980s.
The suspect, believed to be Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) separatist movement, is accused of inciting violence through social media campaigns.
The IPOB seeks to establish an independent state of Biafra in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
The movement’s activities have led to significant unrest, including attacks on security forces and civilians.
Finnish authorities are collaborating with Nigerian counterparts to investigate the matter further.
The Nigerian government has previously condemned Ekpa’s actions, accusing him of fueling violence and destabilizing the region.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has faced numerous security challenges in recent years, including insurgency, banditry, and separatist movements.
The arrest of these suspects highlights the global reach of such extremist activities and the international cooperation required to address them.