IPOB Ends Weekly Sit-at-Home Mandate
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the total and permanent cancellation of its controversial Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria's South East region. The directive is effective immediately, beginning Monday, February 9, 2026.
According to Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, the decision was issued directly by the group's detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Powerful stated that the move is intended to restore economic, educational, and social activities in the region, emphasizing that 'there is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays.'
Background and Impact of the Order
The weekly sit-at-home order was initially imposed by IPOB in August 2021 as a form of protest against the arrest and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The directive led to the widespread shutdown of essential services and businesses every Monday, including:
- Markets and shops
- Schools and educational institutions
- Banks and financial services
- Offices and transport services
The enforcement of the order, often driven by fear, has had a severe socio-economic impact on the South East. Estimates suggest the region incurred significant losses, with some reports indicating economic damage exceeding N7.6 trillion within the first two years. The transport sector alone reportedly suffered daily losses of up to N13 billion at the peak of the protests. Furthermore, the period between 2021 and 2025 saw over 700 fatalities linked to IPOB-related attacks, and the disruption significantly affected education and deterred foreign direct investment.
Call for Normalcy and Warning Against Further Enforcement
In his statement, Emma Powerful urged residents of the South East to resume their normal daily activities without fear. He explicitly stated, 'All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow.' IPOB also issued a stern warning against any individual or group attempting to enforce the sit-at-home order going forward, asserting that such actions would be 'against his direct command' and those involved would be considered 'enemies of our people and the Biafran cause.'
While this is not the first time IPOB has announced the suspension of the sit-at-home, the group stressed that this cancellation is 'official and permanently cancelled.' Kanu's direct involvement in issuing this directive is highlighted as a crucial factor in ensuring compliance and restoring peace to the region.
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