📢Nigerian Army Deploys Troops to Counter IPOB Sit-at-Home Order in South-East States
The Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued a directive to deploy troops and establish control over regions affected by the sit-at-home order imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East states.
This response comes after Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator based in Finland, announced a two-week sit-at-home protest scheduled to commence on Monday, July 31. Ekpa warned of serious consequences for those who disobey the order, stating that it is aimed at demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while also advocating for the freedom of the Biafran nation.
In contrast to Ekpa’s announcement, the Nigeria Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, declared it unlawful and made it clear that such an order would not be tolerated. Nwachukwu encouraged Nigerians in the South-East region to disregard the sit-at-home order and instead support the security forces in their efforts to counter IPOB.
Also, the police have expressed their determination to resist the sit-at-home order in any part of the South-East. Nwachukwu emphasized that IPOB’s command is being issued from Finland by Ekpa, who claims leadership of the group, making it unacceptable for him to expect compliance from people in Nigeria.
“We implore the good and enterprising people of the South-East to shun all forms of cajoling or threats aimed at unlawfully compelling them to be reclusive by sitting at home. We urge them to join forces with the security operatives to resist this illegality perpetrated by IPOB,” stated Nwachukwu.
The deployment of troops and the firm stance taken by the Nigerian Army and police reflect their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the South-East region. As the sit-at-home order confronts opposition from security forces, the situation continues to unfold, with residents and authorities navigating the complexities of maintaining order while safeguarding individual rights.
