August 24, 2024— The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged youths in Nigeria’s South-East region to reject the ongoing British Army recruitment drive, calling it a “deceptive” plan that exploits African soldiers. The pro-Biafran group claims that the recruitment is a strategy to use and discard Biafrans in future conflicts, similar to what happened during the World Wars.
In a statement released on Saturday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, emphasized that many African soldiers who fought for Britain during World War I were never recognized or compensated, unlike their British counterparts. The group cautioned that history could repeat itself, with Biafrans being used as “sacrificial lambs” for a country that does not value their lives.
IPOB urged Biafran youths not to join the British Army, arguing that if Britain can enforce strict visa policies for African immigrants, it is contradictory to offer easy access to join their military. The statement also warned parents to advise their children against enlisting, emphasizing that Biafrans should focus on restoring Biafra rather than fighting for a country that has historically oppressed them.
The group concluded by reiterating that Biafrans should not be used to fight for Britain’s interests and called for the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria. IPOB also demanded the release of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention in Nigeria.
