KEY POINTS

• IPOB has permanently cancelled the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, effective February 9, 2026.

• The group says the order came directly from Nnamdi Kanu to restore normal schooling, business, and economic activities.

• IPOB warned against any attempt to enforce sit-at-home and urged residents to resume normal life without fear.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the long-running Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, declaring that the directive takes immediate effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the decision was taken on the direct instruction of the group’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

According to the statement, the era of weekly shutdowns in the South-East has officially come to an end.

IPOB said Kanu took the decision to ensure that normal social and economic life returns to the region, particularly to allow children to attend school and residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

“He has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people carry out their lawful activities without intimidation or molestation,” the statement said.

The group stressed that there is no longer any justification for residents to remain indoors on Mondays, adding that all markets, schools, offices, transport services and businesses must now operate fully and normally.

Order described as final and non-negotiable

IPOB described the cancellation as final, emphasising that it represents a clear and unequivocal directive from its leader.

“This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB. The Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone,” the statement said.

The group warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Nnamdi Kanu’s direct command.

IPOB cautioned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home measures would be treated as an enemy of the people and the Biafran cause.

It also warned of possible false-flag operations, alleging that some actors might attempt to stage attacks or create fear to discourage people from resuming normal activities.

“Any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are,” the group said.

Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as normalcy returns.

While calling on residents to resume work and commercial activities, IPOB also warned state governments against taking punitive actions against traders who may still choose to stay at home voluntarily.

The group insisted that no governor has the right to threaten, demolish, or shut down businesses of traders acting out of personal conviction or solidarity.

It specifically warned against intimidation or forced market closures, stating that any such actions would be resisted.