The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared the total and permanent cancellation of the long-running Monday sit-at-home directive across Nigeria’s South-East region, stating that the decision takes immediate effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the order came directly from its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom it described as its “supreme leader.”
“The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement read.
IPOB said the decision was taken to allow normal social and economic life to fully resume in the region after years of disruption linked to the weekly civil disobedience.
According to the group, Kanu took the step to ensure that children return to school every Monday and that residents can carry out their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation.
“He has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear,” the statement added.
IPOB urged residents across the five South-East states to open their shops, return to work, and resume normal activities without hesitation.
“There is no longer any need, excuse, or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services, and economic activities must resume fully and normally,” the group declared.
The group described the directive as final and warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting contrary to Kanu’s command.
“Any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct order,” IPOB said, adding that such persons would be regarded as enemies of the cause.
IPOB also alleged that there could be attempts by “enemies” to create confusion through false-flag operations aimed at intimidating residents into staying indoors, urging people to remain calm and law-abiding.
While encouraging residents to resume activities, IPOB cautioned state governments against taking punitive actions against traders or individuals who may still choose to stay home voluntarily.
The group warned against threats of demolition, forced market closures, or intimidation of traders, specifically mentioning Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and other governors in the region.
On market development projects, IPOB advised that any renovation or relocation of traders must be carried out with stakeholder consent and provision of alternative trading spaces.
The announcement followed a viral video released on Saturday by another IPOB-linked group led by Igwe Butuzo and Gentle De Yahoo, alongside what they described as “forty state commanders in Biafraland,” also declaring the end of the Monday sit-at-home.
In the video, the group claimed the directive came from the “highest command” of the Biafran restoration movement and noted that the previous Monday’s sit-at-home was a one-off action.
Reacting to the development, Aloy Ejimakor, legal consultant to Nnamdi Kanu, said the IPOB leader had publicly called for the cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home as far back as July 2024.
Ejimakor stated that Kanu issued written instructions at the time, which were widely published, directing that the civil disobedience be discontinued.
“He has always been against any attempt by any group to enforce sit-at-home in his name. That position has never changed,” Ejimakor said.
He added that any recent declaration canceling the sit-at-home aligns with Kanu’s long-standing directive and should not be seen as contradictory.
The Monday sit-at-home, which began as a protest linked to Kanu’s detention, had over time significantly affected economic activities, school attendance, transportation, and public life across the South-East.
Businesses, markets, and institutions often shut down on Mondays due to fear of violence and enforcement by unknown actors, leading to mounting concerns among residents, traders, and state authorities.
With IPOB’s latest declaration, many residents hope the region will experience a full return to normalcy and economic recovery.
IPOB concluded its statement by urging unity among residents and warning against actions that could reignite tensions in the region.
“We are one people, united by a common destiny. The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the group stated.
Residents across the South-East are now watching closely to see how the directive will be observed and whether normal activities will resume without disruption from Monday onward.
