Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said the intention of the Nigerian Military was to kill him during the Military exercise, “Operation Python Dance.”
Speaking in an interview on an Israeli TV channel, Kanu claimed he was smuggled out of his bedroom before the military operatives could get to him by IPOB members and subsequently out of the country by relatives.
He said; “When I came out (of prison), I continued to preach to my people. I continued to practise my Jewish religion.
“I told them, (government) that I wanted them to open Igweocha seaport, Port Harcourt.
“I ask them to open Calabar seaport and Warri Seaport, I did this in writing and gave it to them, I told them to dredge River Niger, allow the direct international flight to Europe and USA from Enugu, Igweocha and Calabar airport.”
Kanu said he also demanded the release of former Nigerian security adviser Sambo Dasuki and the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and the investigation of “the mass murder of IPOB family members at Onitcha, Nkpor, Aba, Enugu, Igweocha, Umahia and Asaba.”
However, the government instead of responding, initiated operation Python Dance, of which he said: “And one day, the Nigerian army came to my house to kill me. They killed 28 people in their attempt to kill me.
“My people evacuated me before they came to my bedroom. They took me away and smuggled me out of Nigeria. I needed some time to recover which I did and then, had to make my way to Israel.”
The IPOB leader added that he feels “relieved” that he “managed to make it” to Israel, “the only place I feel safe in the world.”
He said he could have gone back to England (where he had been for years) “but I still don’t feel safe in England. That is why I stayed back in Israel.”
IPOB has been branded a terrorist group and proscribed while Kanu is wanted by government.
He had remained in hiding until two weeks ago when a video praying of him in Israel resurfaced on social media.