IPOB Announces Permanent End to Monday Sit-at-Home in South-East Region
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially and permanently cancelled the controversial Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria's South-East region. This significant decision follows a direct directive from the group's leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and took effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
Background of the Protracted Protest
The sit-at-home protest was initially declared in August 2021 as a demonstration against Kanu's rendition to Nigeria and subsequent incarceration. What began as a weekly protest quickly evolved into a region-wide shutdown that paralyzed economic and social activities every Monday. Markets, schools, banks, and offices remained closed, creating severe disruptions to daily life across the five South-Eastern states.
According to comprehensive reports from SBM Intelligence, the enforcement of this directive between 2021 and 2025 resulted in devastating consequences. The research documented at least 776 deaths and 332 violent incidents directly linked to the sit-at-home enforcement, with Imo and Anambra states recording the highest casualty figures. The economic impact was equally staggering, with estimated losses reaching approximately N7.6 trillion due to repeated market closures and disruptions to trade and transportation networks.
Official Announcement and New Directives
IPOB's spokesman, Emma Powerful, issued a formal statement on Sunday declaring the permanent cancellation. He emphasized that the directive came directly from Kanu himself, stating: "The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026."
Powerful further clarified that there was "no need, excuse, or justification" for residents to remain indoors on Mondays moving forward. The group insisted that schools and businesses must resume full operations immediately and warned that any attempts to enforce the sit-at-home order would constitute disobedience to Kanu's direct command. The statement also cautioned against potential "false-flag operations" designed to instil fear and discourage compliance with the new directive.
Governor Soludo's Intervention and Market Reopening
The announcement followed significant intervention from Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who had taken decisive action days earlier. On February 2, 2026, Governor Soludo ordered the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, which had been shut down on January 26, 2025, after traders failed to open their businesses.
During his visit to the market, Soludo declared an end to the sit-at-home order and issued a stern warning to traders. He emphasized that those who continued to comply with IPOB's previous directive risked losing their business premises, demonstrating the state government's commitment to restoring normal economic activities.
Security Assurances and Economic Recovery Prospects
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army had previously assured traders in Onitsha Main Market and other economic centres across the South-East of their safety. In a statement issued on February 3, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that security forces remained fully deployed and on high alert.
Ayeni explained that intelligence-led operations were ongoing to dismantle remnants of the outlawed IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The military assured law-abiding citizens of protection with every necessary measure, creating a more secure environment for economic activities to resume.
Regional Impact and Future Outlook
Observers and analysts have noted that this cancellation marks a significant turning point for the South-East region. Years of enforced shutdowns had crippled commerce, disrupted education, and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. With Kanu's directive now in place and security assurances provided, residents are expected to resume normal activities without fear of intimidation.
The permanent cancellation of the sit-at-home order is anticipated to facilitate substantial economic recovery across the region. Businesses can now operate consistently, students can attend school regularly, and markets can function without weekly interruptions. This development represents a crucial step toward restoring stability and prosperity to Nigeria's South-East region after years of economic disruption and social tension.
