…The police commissioner explained that security assessments revealed a pattern of coordinated social media posts aimed at spreading fear,
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has held an emergency closed-door security meeting with area and tactical commanders following a sit-at-home directive attributed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) scheduled for Monday.
The meeting, which took place at the state police headquarters in Awka on Sunday, resulted in directives for the immediate strengthening of intelligence-led patrols, heightened surveillance, and proactive policing to safeguard lives and property across the state.
IPOB had announced a total shutdown of economic activities in the South-East and other Biafran territories on Monday, February 2, 2026, citing solidarity with traders at the Onitsha Main Market. In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group urged traders, transport operators, banks, schools, civil servants, and other sectors in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and beyond to comply peacefully with the action.
However, IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, countered the directive in a statement on Saturday, describing the source of the order, allegedly operating under the name “Emma Powerful,” as compromised. Ejiofor dismissed the sit-at-home order as fake and a deliberate falsehood, insisting that IPOB has renounced sit-at-home actions and has no link to the purported directive. He called on the public to disregard it.
In a press statement on Sunday, Orutugu urged Ndi Anambra to remain calm, vigilant, united, and discerning, stressing that the emergency meeting was convened in response to threats from non-state actors. The police commissioner explained that security assessments revealed a pattern of coordinated social media posts aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and ethnic bigotry.
According to him, such narratives are designed to incite panic, erode public confidence, and disrupt the peace in the state. He commended residents for remaining resilient and cooperative, noting that timely sharing of credible information has been critical to maintaining public safety.
The police command assured residents that adequate security measures are in place and advised the public to ignore unverified social media content, while reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels.
The meeting was attended by heads of joint security agencies in the state and a representative of the Anambra State Government on security. The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, public order, and the protection of residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has announced that the Onitsha Main Market will reopen on Monday for full commercial activities, assuring traders and residents of maximum security.
