What the arrest of separatist IPOB leader means for Nigeria's security

Earlier this week, the Nigerian government announced the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the South-Eastern separatist group, IPOB. Kanu is expected to appear in court on July 26th for the resumption of the trial on the 11-count charge against him after he jumped bail in 2017. The British High Commission in Abuja is seeking clarification from the Nigerian government regarding the circumstances surrounding Kanu's arrest, as he is a British citizen. Dennis Amachree, CEO of Zoomlens Security Solutions, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the implications of this arrest. It is unclear how Kanu was apprehended by the Nigerian government, considering he was a British citizen and had his Nigerian passport taken in 2017. Amachree shed light on the protocols involved when governments collaborate across borders to catch fleeing suspects. He emphasized the importance of extradition agreements and the responsibility of foreign governments to care for their citizens in custody abroad. Despite the UK seeking clarification, Amachree sees no tense diplomatic relations arising from the situation. When discussing the security implications for the South, Amachree highlighted the broader issue of separatist movements in Nigeria. He pointed out that the country is facing challenges in various regions, from religious conflict in the Northeast to banditry in the Middle Belt and separatist movements in the Southeast and South-South. Amachree urged the Nigerian government to address the root causes of these agitations and focus on uniting the country rather than allowing it to fragment further.