The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has instructed troops to take control of areas affected by the sit-at-home order imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB in the South-East states.
The decision was made in response to an announcement by Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, who declared a two-week sit-at-home protest in the South-East region starting from July 31. Ekpa demanded the immediate release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the realization of Biafra nation’s independence.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, firmly stated that such announcements are unlawful and will not be tolerated.
He emphasized that the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has been directed to conduct robust patrols in key areas and ensure the free movement of citizens engaged in legitimate activities.
Brig. Gen. Nwachukwu expressed concern over Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of IPOB, who resides in Finland while ordering people in Nigeria to disrupt their means of livelihood by participating in the sit-at-home protest.
He urged Nigerians in the South-East region to disregard the unlawful order and extend their support to the security forces in countering IPOB’s activities.
In a similar vein, the police have pledged to resist the sit-at-home order in any part of the South-East.
The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police have taken action against non-state actors enforcing the order, leading to arrests and the recovery of weapons.
Adejobi reassured the public that the police would continue to maintain law and order in all parts of Nigeria, including the South-East, and emphasized that adequate security measures have been implemented to safeguard citizens. The police also vowed to closely monitor the sponsors of agitators causing unrest in the region.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the Nigerian Navy headquarters in Abuja to seek support in abolishing the sit-at-home practice within the state.
Governor Mbah, who previously declared the sit-at-home order banned in Enugu, highlighted the detrimental impact it has on the state’s economy.
He stressed that attracting investors to Enugu would become challenging if the sit-at-home protest persists. To address the root causes of insecurity, the governor emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including tightening the security architecture and mobilizing state security agencies.
Governor Mbah expressed his desire for a partnership with the Navy to enhance security in Enugu State and uphold the unity of the country.
He affirmed his commitment to defending the unity of Nigeria and stated that behaviors contrary to national unity would not be endorsed. The governor expressed his hope for collaboration with the Navy to achieve the common goal of peace, security, and a unified country.
