After almost five years of disruption marked by fear, economic shutdown, and restricted movement, normal activities are set to resume across Nigeria’s South-East following a directive by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, bringing an end to the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order.
From Monday, February 9, 2026, the compulsory stay-at-home directive that has severely affected social, educational and commercial life in Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states has been officially lifted.
The sit-at-home order was first introduced in August 2021 after Kanu’s arrest and continued detention in June of that year. Since then, Mondays in the region have been characterised by closed markets, empty streets, shuttered schools, and recurring violence linked to the enforcement of the directive.
Over time, the protests led to massive economic losses, prolonged disruption of education and the deaths of civilians, transport workers and traders, while instilling deep-seated fear among residents.
Announcing the development on Sunday, IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, said the decision was taken directly by Kanu, whom he described as the group’s “Supreme Leader.”
According to the statement, IPOB has formally and permanently cancelled the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East with effect from February 9, 2026.
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Powerful, Kanu emphasised that he had decided to ensure that children return to school on Mondays and that residents freely resume their legitimate businesses without intimidation or violence.
He added that there is no longer any justification for residents to stay indoors on Mondays, stressing that all markets, schools, offices, transport services, and other economic activities must now operate normally.
Kanu also warned that anyone attempting to enforce the sit-at-home order going forward would be regarded as an enemy of the Igbo people and the Biafran struggle. He cautioned residents to be alert to alleged false-flag actions aimed at creating fear or discouraging compliance with the new directive.
Referencing recent developments in Anambra State, Kanu criticised the closure of markets by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, insisting that no governor has the authority to intimidate traders or shut down businesses under the pretext of enforcing compliance. He warned that any attempt by state governments to threaten, demolish, or forcibly close markets would be strongly resisted.
Despite the announcement, uncertainty lingers over how quickly confidence will be restored across the region, as years of violence and reprisals have conditioned many residents to remain indoors on Mondays out of fear rather than loyalty to the directive.
In the coming days, it will become clearer whether schools, markets, transport operators and civil servants will fully resume operations across the South-East.
