₦airaland Forum

The Abia State Government has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that Governor Alex Otti has approved the engagement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to combat criminal activities and protect farmers in the state.

The government described the report, credited to a faceless blogger, as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, and made available to ABN TV, the government expressed concern over the resurgence of the fake report, noting that the same falsehood had earlier been circulated but was ignored.

“For the records, the government of Abia State under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti could not have contemplated embracing the services of non-state actors to fight criminals and insecurity of any kind in any part of the state,” the statement read.

Ekeoma emphasized that Governor Otti's administration has continued to rely on conventional security agencies to tackle crime in the state, citing the establishment of a joint security taskforce code-named "Operation Crush" as a testament to the government's commitment to security.

He noted that "Operation Crush" has recorded significant successes in combating crime across the state, despite isolated cases of armed robbery and kidnapping which are being addressed.

The government warned those behind the fake news campaign to desist from actions capable of inciting fear and violence in the state, warning that such actions will attract severe consequences when perpetrators are identified.

Abia residents were urged to disregard the false report and remain confident in the government's efforts to ensure their safety.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-govt-denies-alleged-engagement-of-esn-to-fight-crime-warns-against-fake-news/

ESN are faceless groups.

Is all good

It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

Wetin man go do

If they can fight crimes only, they should be engaged.

Nigerian security forces have failed us

Everyone knows that the news is fake and no such govt will try that. Even if they will, they will rebrand them.

Otti go deny tire. Ikpeazu Abians miss you. The propaganda is over, now is time for work. Na so so excuse

Why not simply engage them if that's what will protect your people

The army and police have outrightly shown they are not interested in whatever happens to southerners lives

oluwaseyi0:
Why not simply engage them if that's what will protect your people

The army and police have outrightly shown they are not interested in whatever happens to southerners lives

Engage terrorist?

Pdp and their propaganda

It's not a crime if Abia State government engaged ESN to fight Fulani herdsmen in Igbo land and beyond. Fulani herdsmen terrorist was to sole purpose Mazi Nnamdi Kanu established ESN to protect his people before the banditry Nigerian government came to tackle the security outfit cos they knew it will stop them achieving their agenda which is to kill and mame lives in the southeast and South-South Nigeria

Whichever way, peace has returned to the East.

Since Ekpa was locked up, no one hears of the nonsense killings in the East. Thanks to Finland.

If ESN can protect the farmers, why not. Have you seen any policeman guarding farmers in the bush?

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

And what wrong with that

Bullhari:
If they can fight crimes only, they should be engaged.

Nigerian security forces have failed us

Sharrap!

Once a governor denies an allegation just know it's true. Otti you do this one, na wa o!

Bhella5:
Once a governor denies an allegation just know it's true. Otti you do this one, na wa o!

Rest… we all know it’s fake news.
Face your government that are accommodating repentant terrorist into Force

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

but no state of emergency at zamfara state. Use your tongue and count your teeth.

Bullhari:
If they can fight crimes only, they should be engaged.

Nigerian security forces have failed us

That is a big if.
How do you expect them to face only crimes when there are many "sabos"
to be taken care of?

ESN OR NO ESN...ANYHOW anyone can protect their state let them do...I'm tired of all these insecurity nonsense. D govt keep playing politics with people lives and property. Defend yourself against kidnappers and bandits.

ESN will do the job better, them no get joy, if them catch any fulani jihadists e gbu bu ya isi

Otti don’t worry, we believed you don’t have anything to do with IPOBs and esn!you won’t want to dear your Oga’s!

ESN members are criminals themselves

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

Have you taken your medication today?

osuofia2:

Otti go deny tire. Ikpeazu Abians miss you. The propaganda is over, now is time for work. Na so so excuse

Come Aba come talk this thing sir

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

I trust you to invite your Fulani killer squad to take over the state governance!
Maluu

OgideAgu:
Come Aba come talk this thing sir

Come MAIDUGURI

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

when I first saw your name,I mistook it to be “LUNATICS” until I looked deeper and saw that it’s turmacs.

If ESN can tackle this Fulani menace I suggest he embrace them and integrate them as a vigilante security network in the state under his supervision. It won't be a bad idea. He has to protect his state with all help he can get.

They most likely want to penetrate abia, the way they have done to enugu and met a resistance. That's why they are shouting ESN.

You Gerrit?

turmacs:
It's like this otti of a man is also an ipob sympathizer. This man is not fit to rule Abia state and I think the government needs to declare a state of emergency there before things get out of hand. We don't need more of his types anywhere near government offices.

thund€r f!re your d!rty sm€lly mouth