The Indigenous People of Biafra said Sunday it has permanently ended its Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria’s southeast, bringing to a close a protest that has disrupted social and economic life in the region for nearly five years.
In a statement, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said the directive came from the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who urged residents to resume normal activities, reopen markets and return children to school without fear.
“There is no longer any justification for the sit-at-home,” the statement quoted Kanu as saying, adding that the order was cancelled with immediate effect from Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
IPOB warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce the sit-at-home would be acting contrary to Kanu’s directive, declaring the practice officially ended.
The sit-at-home protest began in 2021 following Kanu’s arrest and extradition from Kenya to Nigeria to face terrorism-related charges. Initially limited to days of his court appearances, it later became a weekly action enforced across parts of the southeast, often through intimidation and violence by armed groups.
Although IPOB had previously announced suspensions, compliance persisted in many areas due to fear of attacks and reprisals. The prolonged shutdowns led to widespread economic losses, repeated school closures and growing pressure from state governments.
In recent months, several governors in the region have moved to dismantle the practice. Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo ordered the reopening of markets and schools on Mondays, warning that enforced closures would not be tolerated.
Soludo also directed public servants, including teachers, to report for duty on Mondays, threatening salary deductions for defaulters and insisting there was no official sit-at-home policy in the state.
IPOB had earlier accused state governments of intimidating traders and workers who stayed home, but said Sunday that Kanu had now ordered a complete end to the weekly shutdown.
The group called on residents of the southeast to carry out their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.
