The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that some of its members died while in detention, as the group announced a major restructuring of its leadership and pledged to prioritise the welfare and release of detained members.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday from Langerfeld, Germany, and signed in the name of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The statement, made available through the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, also confirmed the dissolution of the third administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS) and the inauguration of a new leadership team.

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According to the group, the decision followed a review of the outgoing administration’s performance, particularly its handling of issues concerning members being held in detention facilities across Nigeria.

IPOB expressed concern over what it described as the prolonged detention of hundreds of its members, especially those allegedly being held without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State.

“The most grievous failure of the outgoing administration was its inability to prioritise the welfare and liberation of hundreds of Biafrans detained across various detention facilities, particularly those held for years without trial at Wawa Military Barracks in Niger State,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that many detainees had suffered severe hardship, while some reportedly died in custody.

“No movement that claims to stand for justice can neglect those who paid the highest price for their commitment. The abandonment of detained Biafrans represents a profound dereliction of the duty of care owed to every member of the IPOB family,” the statement added.

IPOB also accused the dissolved leadership of focusing on internal disputes and factional disagreements rather than prioritising diplomacy, legal advocacy, prisoner welfare and strategic planning.

As part of the restructuring, US-based Chris Nwaọgụ was named head of the fourth administration of the Directorate of State and is expected to oversee the administration and day-to-day affairs of the movement under Kanu’s authority.

Other appointments announced by the group include Solomon Egbo as Deputy Head, Nnennaya Anya as Head of Finance and Budget Planning, Chigozie Okekenta as Coordinator of Coordinators, Chukwudi Nwogwugwu as Head of Medical and Welfare Planning, and Ikechukwu Onuoha as Head of Media.

The organisation also unveiled an Elders Advisory Council, which it said would provide strategic guidance and institutional support to both Kanu and the newly appointed leadership team.

In addition, IPOB disclosed that officers previously appointed by Kanu had been restored to their positions pending administrative review, while previous suspensions and expulsions had been set aside.

The group urged its members and supporters around the world to remain disciplined and cooperate with the new administration as it seeks to reposition the movement and strengthen internal unity.

Founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB advocates for the restoration of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East region.

While the group insists its agitation is peaceful and based on self-determination, the Federal Government has repeatedly accused it of involvement in violent activities and secured a court order proscribing it as a terrorist organisation in 2017.

IPOB continues to reject the allegations and challenge the proscription.

At least nine persons have been killed and 11 others injured following a deadly attack on Angwan Magaji community in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in communities located along the Kaduna–Plateau border.

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According to the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, heavily armed attackers invaded the community in the early hours of the morning and opened fire on residents, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Yonkpa explained that most residents of Angwan Magaji are members of the Irigwe ethnic group with ancestral roots in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims of the attack were identified as Jerry Doctor, 51; Danlami Magani, 49; Sunday Chibi, 53; Rita Abdullahi, 45; Sunday Elkan, 5; Esther Kefas, 5; Happy Friday, 6; Moses Daddy, 4; and Daddy Ibrahim, 28.

Eleven other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Confirming the incident, the National Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Dickson Auta, condemned the killings and described the attack as unfortunate and deeply troubling.

Auta called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He also expressed concern over the recurring attacks on communities in the area, urging authorities to strengthen security measures to safeguard lives and property.

The community leader appealed to governments at all levels to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among residents, noting that the latest attack has plunged the community into mourning and renewed calls for decisive intervention to end the cycle of violence along the Kaduna–Plateau axis.

Five kidnapped victims have regained their freedom following a successful military operation by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Kogi State.

The rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, which has intensified both ground and air offensives against terrorist camps hidden within forested areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the victims were abandoned by their captors as the terrorists fled sustained military pressure.

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Abdullahi explained that the operation followed a recent air interdiction mission targeting a known terrorist hideout within the forest.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko were subsequently deployed on a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest.

“Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within Adankolo Forest.

“During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in the wake of ongoing military offensives targeting their hideouts.

The rescued individuals were immediately evacuated to a secure location before being transferred to a military medical facility, where they received medical care and stabilization.

The Army further disclosed that the victims were debriefed to gather intelligence that could support ongoing operations aimed at tracking down and neutralizing the remaining terrorists operating within the area.

Military authorities said efforts are underway to reunite the victims with their families after completing the necessary medical and administrative procedures.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism during the operation.

He also urged residents of Kogi State to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the region.