CDS Lauds Finland Over Simon Ekpa’s Conviction, Reaffirms Nigeria’s War on Terror
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has hailed the sentencing of Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court, describing it as a significant step in the global campaign against terrorism and violent separatist movements.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of a proscribed separatist group, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
Reacting to the ruling, General Musa commended the Finnish authorities for what he termed a “landmark judgment” that reinforces the principle that sponsors and promoters of violence will be held accountable, no matter where they reside.
“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state,” the CDS said in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
Read Also:
The Defence Chief also applauded Nigerian security, intelligence, law enforcement agencies, and diplomats for their collaborative role in providing credible evidence that contributed to Ekpa’s conviction.
He said the outcome demonstrated the power of international cooperation in tackling transnational threats.
General Musa further reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ determination to sustain the pressure against terrorist groups and their financiers, both within and outside Nigeria. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies in their operations across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks, restoring peace, and ensuring lasting stability across the nation,” Musa assured.
Ekpa, who had been accused of inciting violence, funding separatist activities, and promoting insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region from abroad, has long been a subject of diplomatic concern between Nigeria and Finland.
By PRNigeria
