The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has instructed troops to take control of areas where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enforces their sit-at-home order in the South-East states. This comes after a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, announced a two-week sit-at-home protest starting from July 31, demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and the freedom of Biafra nation. The army has deemed this announcement unlawful and stated that it will not be tolerated.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, declared that the sit-at-home order by IPOB is a violation of the fundamental rights of southeastern Nigerians and is therefore unlawful. The Chief of Army Staff has given clear directives to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army to work alongside other security agencies in ensuring robust patrols and measures to allow citizens to freely carry out their legitimate businesses. Nwachukwu criticized Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of IPOB, who resides in Finland and issues orders for people in Nigeria to shut down their means of livelihood.
The army spokesperson called on Nigerians in the South-East region to disregard the sit-at-home order and instead support the security forces in defeating IPOB. The police have also vowed to resist the sit-at-home order in any part of the South-East, stating that it is illegal and unacceptable. The police have arrested non-state actors enforcing the order and are closely monitoring the sponsors of these agitators.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the Nigerian Navy headquarters in Abuja to seek support in abolishing the sit-at-home order in the state. Mbah emphasized that the continuation of the sit-at-home protests hinders the state’s economy and deters investors. He highlighted the importance of addressing insecurity and tightening the security architecture in order to achieve development and eradicate poverty. The governor expressed his commitment to defending the unity of the country and emphasized the need for collaboration with security agencies to promote peace and security.
Overall, both the Nigerian Army and the police are determined to maintain security, resist the sit-at-home order, and ensure that citizens can carry out their daily activities without fear or hindrance.
