Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered intensified surveillance and intelligence-led patrols across the state following a sit-at-home directive allegedly issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Orutugu gave the directive on Sunday during an emergency closed-door security meeting with area commanders and heads of tactical units at the Anambra State Police Command headquarters in Awka.
The police action follows reports of a planned sit-at-home across the South-East and other Biafran territories on Monday, February 2, 2026, purportedly declared by IPOB in solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market.
According to the police commissioner, the command has activated proactive policing measures aimed at preventing threats to lives, property, and public order.
He directed an immediate increase in intelligence gathering, patrols, and security surveillance across key locations in the state.
The sit-at-home order, announced in a statement attributed to IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, called on traders, transporters, schools, banks, civil servants, and residents across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and other areas to suspend activities.
However, IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has distanced the group from the directive, describing it as fake and the handiwork of compromised individuals acting against the interests of Ndi-Igbo.
Ejiofor urged the public to ignore the call, insisting that IPOB no longer supports sit-at-home actions.
In a statement released by the police command, Orutugu warned residents against falling for what he described as coordinated misinformation by non-state actors aimed at creating fear, panic, and division.
The statement noted that security assessments revealed a pattern of social media narratives designed to undermine public confidence and disrupt the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.
The police commissioner commended residents for remaining vigilant and united, adding that community cooperation and timely intelligence sharing had helped sustain public safety.
He reassured Ndi Anambra that adequate security measures had been deployed statewide and urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
Members of the public were also advised to disregard unverified social media messages and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through emergency channels.
Security chiefs of joint security agencies in the state and a representative of the Anambra State Government on security attended the meeting.
The development comes as the Anambra State Government announced the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market on Monday, assuring traders and residents of maximum security protection.
