Okonjo-Iweala denies allegations of facilitating Biafra’s $57.5bn loan, asks Ekpa to stop using her name for falsehood

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has strongly refuted claims of her involvement in facilitating a $57.5 billion loan for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

A now-deleted post by separatist leader Simon Ekpa, shared on October 23, 2024, alleged that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund had agreed to grant the loan, citing Okonjo-Iweala’s assistance in the process.

Ekpa claimed the funds were meant to support the formation of a new government following a proposed declaration of Biafra independence on December 2, 2024.

He wrote,

“The World Bank and IMF have agreed to loan the sum of $57.5 billion to Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to form our government after December 2nd 2024 declaration of Biafra. I thank our sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for helping me to facilitate the loan.”

In response, Okonjo-Iweala categorically refuted the claims, calling the statement “outrageous” and false.

“I know no sensible person will believe what is contained in the outrageous tweet below, but in these troubled times, it is important to underscore that the statement is false,”

she said in a statement on Thursday via X.

She further urged individuals misusing her name to cease such actions immediately, stating, “Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist.”

However, Ekpa denied tweeting such while reacting to Okonwo-Iweala’s tweet, and commended her for defending her integrity.

He said;

“Dear Madam@NOIweala, i never tweeted such, it is even surprising that you can tweet this because your name was mentioned, we have been tweeting about the Nigeria terrorism against your people and you never responded nor showed any remorse.

“Here you are, defending what nonentities did with your name, but have been mute about all the killings by the government you served. I congratulate you for always defending yourself and your integrity, even when they are photoshopped.

“It shows you are really a mother. Thank you for defending yourself but i never tweeted such thing, it is false and fake.”

I know no sensible person will believe what is contained in the outrageous tweet below but in these troubled times it is important to underscore that the statement is false. Again I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist! pic.twitter.com/rVE4U0b1tq

— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) October 24, 2024

Meanwhile, in furtherance of the fight to rid the nation of insecurity and take out commanders and leaders of terrorist gangs, troops of Operation Udoka in the Southeast have identified and arrested a founding father and three notorious terrorist leaders of IPOB/ESN in the sub-sectors of Orsu, Imo State, Amaruku and Arochukwu in Abia State

The Defence headquarters noted that during the encounter to arrest the commanders, troops neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

Major Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations while making this known, said, “Troops at Forward Operation Base, Orsu, conducted a sting operation that culminated in the arrest of an IPOB terrorist leader. The arrested terrorist leader, identified as Pius Iguh, is a founding father of the ESN group in the Orsu general area of Imo State.

“Similarly, troops at FOB Amaruku conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of another IPOB terrorist commander identified as Emmanuel Onwugu. He was arrested in Mbano LGA of Abia State.

“Relatedly troops and security forces in a combined sting operation arrested a notorious cult leader named Ifeanyi Rock. He was arrested with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu in Abia State.”

Continuing he said: “Troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

“Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“Troops also made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

“Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst others. Between 15 and 19 October 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ehime Mbano, Oguta and Orsu LGAs of Imo State as well as Udenu LGA of Enugu State respectively.

Speaking on operations in other theatres, Buba said, “In the last one week, troops neutralized 140 and arrested 135 persons. Troops also arrested 18 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 76 kidnapped hostages.

“In the Niger Delta, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N1,751,886,550 only.

“Troops discovered and destroyed 47 illegal refining sites, 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 41 boats, 70 drums, 22 storage tanks and other items recovered include 13 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 motorcycles, 3 vehicles.

“Troops equally recovered 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops recovered 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 assorted ammunition comprising 141 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 2 FN rifles, 17 fabricated rifles, 26 Dane guns, 13 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistols, one barreta pistol, 2 bayonets and 42 AK47 magazines.

“Others are 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 970 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 33 rounds 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 76 rounds of 9mm ammo, 113 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 3 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, 18 mobile phones and the sum of N79,052,150.00 and 19$ only amongst other items.

He said, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in North East neutralized 43 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 25 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered 23 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 2 FN rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 7 Dane guns, 210 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 33 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 155 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 34 empty cases of PKT ammo, 10 magazines, 5 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 16 and 22 Oct 24, a total of 27 terrorists comprised of 2 adult males, 11 adult females and 14 children surrendered to troops in the operational theatre.

“Between 15 and 21 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Monguno, Konduga and Biu LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali and Geidam LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States.

“Between 16 and 22 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Kukawa, Konduga, Ngala, Kaga, Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba, Damaturu and Bursari LGAs of Yobe State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 23 terrorists and arrested 15 suspects.

“Troops also recovered one PKT gun, 13 AK47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, 210 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 155 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 33 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 34 empty cases of PKT rounds, 10 magazines, 5 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Troops of Operation Safe Haven in North Central neutralized 14 violent extremists, arrested 45 persons and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 581 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Between 15 and 21 October 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 20 violent extremists/kidnappers including arms dealer in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Riyom, Bassa and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations,troops recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 6 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, 505 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 rounds of 9mm ammo and 4 motorcycles amongst others items.

“Between 15 and 20 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to report on kidnapping incident in Sanga and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops equally responded to similar reports in Pankshin, Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 18 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages.

“Between 15 and 22 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Riyom, Mangu and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 14 extremists and arrested 7 suspects as well recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 mobile phones amongst others items.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 16 violent extremists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 143 rounds of 7.62mm NATO amongst others.

“Between 15 and 21 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 12 violent extremists/kidnappers including informants in Lau, Ardo Kola, Jalingo and Gassol LGAs of Taraba State. Similar operations were conducted in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State.

“On 19 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists including drug peddlers in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.

“On 10 and 12 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 10 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 143 rounds of 7.62mm NATO amongst others.

“On 17 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to distress calls on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Ukum LGA of Benue State. During the operations, troops rescued 12 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West neutralized 62 terrorists, arrested 29 persons and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 85 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated rifles, 13 Dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 953 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 629 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 75 rounds of 9mm ammo, 31 magazines, 4 bayonets, 2 baofeng radios, 22 motorcycles and 11 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 14 and 19 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on terrorists activities and made contact in Maru and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops similarly made contact with terrorists in Binji and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State.

“Following a firefight, troops neutralized 37 terrorists, arrested 2 suspects and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 71 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 641 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 332 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 75 rounds of 9mm ammo, 31 magazines, 4 bayonets, 2 baofeng radios, 17 motorcycles and 11 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 15 and 21 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti-kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Faskari and Mulumfashi LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kontagora and Kebbe LGAs of Niger and Sokoto States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 23 suspects and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 4 locally fabricated guns, 2 Dane guns and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo amongst others.

“Between 16 and 21 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected terrorists in Jibia, Kankara and Dandume LGAs of Katsina State as well as Igabi and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 25 terrorists and arrested 4 suspects.

“Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated guns, 7 magazines, 231 rounds of 7.62mm special, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 5 motorcycles amongst other items.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 36 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, one pistol, 43 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle amongst others items.

“On 19 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 violent extremists/kidnappers in Kabba Bunu, Oshokoshoko and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State. Troops also recovered rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 43 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one pistol, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo and one vehicle amongst others.

“On 17 October 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti-kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on kidnapping incident in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 28 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 22 assorted arms, one magazine and 55 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops recovered 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 41 boats, 70 drums, 22 storage tanks and 47 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 13 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 motorcycles, 3 vehicles among others.

“Troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Oredo, Ovia South-West and Owan West LGAs of Edo State as well as Oshimili South LGA of Delta State.

“On 15 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists including one kidnapping syndicate leader identified as Adamu Sani in Oredo and Ovia South-West LGAs of Edo State.

“On 19 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one barreta pistol, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one round of 9mm ammo, 2 live cartridges, one AK47 rifle magazine , amongst other items.

“On 17 October 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti-kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on a kidnapping incident in Owan West LGA of Edo State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered 3 motorcycles and 2 vehicles.

Major Gen Buba added, “The ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations of the armed forces have dealt significant blows to terrorist capabilities.

“Troops have denied these terrorists from accomplishing their strategic objectives. As the war wages, troops continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of operations and retain operational flexibility.

“Overall, the military assures that it will defeat the terrorist on the battlefield and in their hiding places in order that the country can flourish again. We call on citizens to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military and never to give terrorism any oxygen to thrive in our nation.”

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