By Mohammed Bello Doka
In yet another display of selective morality, the United Kingdom has granted asylum to a 49-year-old Nigerian woman linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a designated terrorist organization responsible for countless acts of violence in Nigeria. This decision, which undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and counterterrorism efforts, raises serious concerns about the UK’s inconsistent stance on global security and its willingness to shield those associated with groups that threaten national stability.
The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly convinced UK authorities that her association with IPOB would put her at risk if she returned to Nigeria. However, what the UK conveniently overlooks is that IPOB is not a mere political movement—it is an extremist organization responsible for numerous killings, kidnappings for ransom, destruction of government infrastructure, and attacks on security forces in Nigeria. The group has been linked to assassinations of government officials, enforcement of sit-at-home orders through brutal killings, and the creation of an atmosphere of lawlessness in the southeast.
Despite these atrocities, the UK has chosen to provide sanctuary to an individual who openly aligned herself with IPOB. This is the same UK that preaches cooperation on counterterrorism while harboring individuals associated with organizations that actively destabilize a sovereign nation. Would the UK extend the same generosity to someone linked to ISIS or Al-Qaeda? The answer is a resounding no. Yet, when it comes to Nigeria, a different standard is applied.
Hypocrisy in Asylum Policies
This move is not the first time the UK has contradicted itself on security matters. While it maintains a hardline stance on domestic threats, it has repeatedly offered asylum to individuals connected to violent separatist groups in other nations. This selective approach exposes the hypocrisy in the UK’s foreign policy—one that undermines its supposed commitment to fighting terrorism globally.
By granting asylum in this case, the UK is sending a dangerous message: that individuals who align with militant and terrorist groups can find refuge in Britain under the guise of political persecution. This not only emboldens IPOB and similar groups but also weakens Nigeria’s legitimate efforts to combat extremism within its borders.
Undermining Nigeria’s Sovereignty
The Nigerian government has invested significant resources in countering IPOB’s violent activities, and its designation of the group as a terrorist organization is backed by concrete evidence of criminal acts. Yet, the UK’s asylum decision disregards Nigeria’s sovereignty and its judicial processes. If the UK truly respects Nigeria as a partner in global affairs, it should support efforts to combat violent extremism rather than providing a safe haven for those associated with it.
This decision could set a troubling precedent, encouraging more individuals linked to IPOB and other extremist groups to exploit the asylum system. If the UK is willing to grant protection to someone connected to a group that has unleashed terror on civilians and security forces, what prevents others from following suit?
A Call for Diplomatic Reassessment
Nigeria must take this decision seriously and reassess its diplomatic engagement with the UK on security cooperation. A country that claims to be an ally cannot at the same time harbor individuals linked to a group that threatens Nigeria’s unity and peace. The Nigerian government should demand an explanation from the UK and make it clear that such actions are unacceptable.
The UK’s decision is a slap in the face to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. If Britain genuinely believes in counterterrorism and global security, it must stop playing double standards. It cannot claim to be an ally in the fight against extremism while aiding and abetting those who propagate it.
