January 20, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Southeastern, Nigeria — Supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took to the streets on Tuesday in a series of coordinated “Trump Solidarity” rallies across southeastern Nigeria, calling for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and expressing political alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose rhetoric they say resonates with their own struggle for self-determination. The demonstrations have sparked intense debate about the group’s motivations and the broader implications for regional security and national cohesion.
Rally organisers reported large turnouts in key cities including Aba (Abia State), Aguata (Anambra State) and Abakaliki (Ebonyi State), where participants carried placards with slogans such as “Release Nnamdi Kanu,” “Justice for Biafra,” and “Trump Stands With Freedom.” Some demonstrators invoked Trump’s public criticism of international institutions and his pointed remarks about perceived biases in legal systems themes they claim parallel their own grievances against the Nigerian government.
The rallies, described by IPOB’s media team as a show of “solidarity with global movements for justice and self-determination,” were largely peaceful, though local security forces maintained a significant presence in all three states to deter any escalation. Traffic disruptions were reported along major thoroughfares, but there were no confirmed arrests or violent confrontations as of Tuesday evening.
IPOB, a separatist organisation advocating for an independent Biafra state comprising Nigeria’s southeastern region, has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government, which accuses it of violence and undermining national unity. The group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has been detained on charges that include terrorism-related offences; his continued incarceration remains a focal point of mobilisation and protest.
Demonstrators told reporters that their reference to Trump, whose presidency ended in 2025 — reflects admiration for his confrontational style toward political establishments and his vocal stance against perceived governmental overreach. Some rally speakers praised Trump’s rhetoric on judicial independence and international diplomacy, framing it as morale-boosting in their campaign for Kanu’s release. Other participants chanted slogans linking their cause to broader themes of democratic rights and international solidarity.
Local authorities in Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi responded to the rallies with measured restraint, urging citizens to exercise their rights lawfully and cautioning against any actions that could spark unrest. Police Public Relations Officers in the three states reiterated commitments to uphold public safety while respecting constitutional freedoms. As a precaution, deployment of additional patrol units and rapid response teams was ordered in city centres where rallies occurred.
Commentators say the rallies highlight IPOB’s effort to broaden its narrative by aligning with global ideas around justice and sovereignty, even as analysts warn that such external references could complicate Nigeria’s internal security challenges and diplomatic posture. Critics argue that bringing in foreign political figures — even symbolically — risks conflating local grievances with international politics in ways that may not advance constructive dialogue. (“Nigeria security analysts,” Daily Trust, Dec. 2025)
Meanwhile, civil society organisations urged restraint from both the government and IPOB, calling for renewed dialogue toward peaceful resolution and due process in Kanu’s legal proceedings. Human rights advocates emphasised the importance of lawful protest and the protection of civil liberties, even as they cautioned against rhetoric that might inflame tensions or undermine national unity. (“Society for Peace & Justice” press release, Jan. 2026)
As the rallies wind down, attention is turning to possible follow-up actions from IPOB and government engagement to address the underlying grievances that fuel such demonstrations. For now, the events mark a noteworthy example of how local movements are increasingly invoking international symbols and leaders even former foreign heads of state in their appeals for support and recognition.