The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) have said that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, does not have the right to link the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to terrorism.

AVID said Ribadu was wrong to blame IPOB for attacks on police stations and prisons in different parts of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID described Ribadu’s claims as lies and hateful words.

They added that Ribadu’s comments are unfair and a wrong use of his public office.

AVID also said that declaring IPOB guilty in public, while their court case is still happening, is an attack on the independence of the courts. This should not be allowed in any fair society.

Recently, Ribadu said IPOB was responsible for violent attacks on police stations and correctional centers in some areas.

But AVID called this idea ridiculous. They said Ribadu has no moral right to talk about terrorism when his own region, the Northeast, is troubled by terrorists, Fulani militia, and bandits.

AVID said they represent proud Igbo veterans of the U.S. military who strongly condemn Ribadu’s false and harmful statements against IPOB and their security group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

They explained that Ribadu’s media statements are full of lies and hate speech. They said this behavior is an abuse of power.

AVID reminded Ribadu that he is in charge of Nigeria’s intelligence agencies, which have been criticized by witnesses for their actions.

They mentioned that on May 22, 2025, a government witness said under oath that Nigeria’s secret police answer directly to the National Security Adviser.

AVID criticized Ribadu for saying IPOB is guilty in the media while the trial of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is still going on. They said this interferes with the justice system.

They added that Ribadu’s words are not only disrespectful but also dangerous because they show a government that confuses peaceful protest with terrorism.

AVID told Ribadu he has no moral right to talk about terrorism when violence in his own region continues, especially attacks by Fulani militias and bandits that the government refuses to properly handle.

Finally, they asked how many times Ribadu has spoken out about attacks on villages by Fulani herdsmen or the suffering of people displaced in camps in Northern Nigeria.