The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group advocating for the independence of Nigeria’s South-East region, has announced the cancellation of its longstanding Monday sit-at-home order. The decision, attributed to a directive from the group’s detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, aims to restore normal economic activities and peace in the area.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) by security analyst Zagazola Makama, IPOB stated that the suspension comes directly from Kanu, who is currently held in custody by Nigerian authorities on charges related to treason and terrorism. “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the cancellation of its sit-at-home order across the South-East, following a directive from its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the post read. “In a statement issued on Saturday, IPOB said the decision was taken after Kanu ordered the leadership of the group to suspend the action in the interest of peace and normal economic activities in the region.”
The announcement was accompanied by a video purportedly showing armed members of IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a forested area, waving Biafran flags alongside Israeli and American flags, and holding signs demanding Kanu’s release. In the footage, dated February 7, 2026, a spokesperson reads a statement emphasizing that the sit-at-home is now “voluntary” and will no longer be enforced. “Monday sit-at-home is from today voluntary and will not be enforced,” the speaker declares, adding that children must return to school and traders can decide whether to open their businesses. The statement also warns against any government intimidation, specifically calling out Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s recent actions as “stupidity,” and threatens retaliation if lockdowns are imposed.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions and questions about its authenticity and enforcement. Some online responses to the X post dismissed it as “damage control” following Soludo’s threats to crack down on enforcers, with one user commenting, “Abeg na wash. Which one is Nnamdi Kanu orders cancellation. We all know it was as a result of Soludo cracking on them.” Others expressed relief but skepticism, noting the economic damage caused by the orders: “They should have continue this infamous sit-at-home nonsense. It has caused some irreparable damage to the economy of South Eastern states.”
Conflicting reports from other sources add to the uncertainty. A Facebook post from the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), often associated with IPOB factions, echoed the suspension but framed it as an “immediate” halt starting February 9, 2026. Conversely, other posts claim IPOB denied issuing recent sit-at-home orders altogether, insisting Kanu had ended them as far back as 2023. Historical precedents show similar suspensions in 2021, when IPOB limited the orders to court appearance days for Kanu.
The sit-at-home orders, initially introduced to protest Kanu’s detention since 2021, have disrupted daily life, education, and commerce in states like Anambra, Enugu, and Imo. While IPOB maintains it is defending the region from “Fulani terrorists,” critics argue the actions have fueled violence and economic hardship. Nigerian security forces, tagged in the original post including @DHQNigeria and @HQNigerianArmy, have yet to respond publicly.
As the South-East resumes activities, observers will watch whether the cancellation holds amid internal factions within the separatist movement. Kanu’s trial continues, with no immediate resolution in sight.