The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has commended the Finnish police for arresting separatist leader Simon Ekpa, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism.

In separate statements, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasized the importance of Ekpa's arrest.

Brigadier General Gusau stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, expressed satisfaction with the development, seeing it as an opportunity for Ekpa to be extradited to Nigeria to face justice. “The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland and hopes it will lead to his extradition to Nigeria for prosecution,” Gusau said on Thursday.

Similarly, Major General Buba highlighted the arrest as evidence of international cooperation in combating terrorism. “This shows that the global community is aligned with Nigeria in its efforts to fight terrorism. The CDS has consistently called for Ekpa’s arrest due to his role in fueling violence in southeastern Nigeria,” Buba remarked.

On March 23, the Defence Headquarters had declared Simon Ekpa wanted, alongside 96 others, for inciting violence in the South-East region.

Ekpa was apprehended by Finnish authorities on Thursday, along with four other individuals, on charges of terrorism-related activities, including incitement to violence and funding terrorism. Finland’s district court in Lahti ordered his detention on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria, allegedly linked to the secessionist group IPOB. The charges reportedly date back to August 2021.

The separatist leader has also been under investigation in Finland for alleged financial crimes, including fundraising through questionable means. DHQ expressed optimism that his arrest would further strengthen global collaboration in addressing terrorism and bring justice to those affected by his actions.

RELATED: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges