Mbabane – The Association of Nigerian Nationals in Eswatini has issued a public disclaimer after unknown individuals unlawfully converted the group’s former Facebook page into an account operating under the name “IPOB Eswatini Chapter.”
The executive committee of ANNIES-NIDO Eswatini, led by Hon. Christopher Imasuen, said the page was taken over without authorisation and is no longer under the group’s control or management.
IPOB, the Indigenous People of Biafra, is a secessionist movement that has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government. 
The association was categorical in distancing itself from the hijacked account and everything posted on it.
“ANNIES-NIDO Eswatini does not have any affiliation, association, or relationship with IPOB or any proscribed organisation,” the executive committee said in a statement dated 5 June 2026.
The group advised the public, the Nigerian community in Eswatini, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, other Eswatini authorities, the Nigeria Mission, the Nigeria Consulate and NIDO Africa to disregard any representation made through the compromised page on behalf of Nigerians in Eswatini.
ANNIES-NIDO Eswatini described itself as a non-political, non-sectarian association committed to the welfare of Nigerians living in the Kingdom and to promoting Nigeria’s image locally, in full compliance with the laws of both Eswatini and Nigeria.
The association confirmed that its only official Facebook page is Annies-Nido Eswatini, accessible at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584637061891.
**PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE RECENT DISCLAIMER STORY CONCERNING IPOB ESWATINI CHAPTER**
It has come to our attention that a disclaimer concerning IPOB Eswatini Chapter was recently published on an online news platform without hearing from all affected parties.
We wish to state clearly that IPOB Eswatini Chapter has not hijacked, taken over, or unlawfully claimed any Facebook page or social media platform belonging to any person, organisation, or group.
For the avoidance of doubt, IPOB Eswatini Chapter had previously contracted a social media consultant in 2019 to assist with the creation and management of its online presence. The consultant did not fully deliver the agreed work at that time, but has now completed and delivered the social media platform in question. Based on our understanding, the page was created and handled by the consultant in connection with the work assigned to him.
We therefore reject any attempt to twist the facts or portray IPOB Eswatini Chapter as being involved in hijacking, impersonation, or conflict with any organisation. There is no truth in the allegation that IPOB Eswatini Chapter hijacked any page belonging to another group.
IPOB Eswatini Chapter is real, focused, and committed to its lawful affairs, including creating awareness and engaging peacefully on matters affecting our people. We are not in conflict with ANNIES/NIDO Eswatini or any Nigerian group in Eswatini, and we do not seek to misrepresent or interfere with the activities of any organisation.
We condemn any publication or statement that presents one side of the matter without giving IPOB Eswatini Chapter a fair opportunity to respond. Responsible journalism requires fairness, balance, and proper verification before publishing claims capable of damaging the reputation of any person or organisation.
We therefore call on the platform concerned to publish this response as our right of reply and to correct any impression that IPOB Eswatini Chapter unlawfully hijacked or claimed any social media page.