IPOB denies plan to revive sit-at-home in South-East

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied plans to resume enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East, dismissing a purported police intelligence report alleging that the group and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), intended to restart the action.

In a statement on Monday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described the report, allegedly dated October 9, 2026, as fabricated propaganda intended to mislead the public.

The purported report claimed that IPOB and ESN planned to resume enforcement of the sit-at-home order on October 12.

Powerful alleged that the Nigeria Police Force was working with politicians and former members of the disbanded Directorate of State to circulate the report.

He also disputed the authenticity of the document, which reportedly bore reference number CB:4089/FID/INTLAB/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.14/231 and was purportedly signed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department.

“There is no voice note. There is no order from IPOB or ESN to resume any sit-at-home. There is no plan by this movement to enforce anything on the people of the South-East or Imo State,” the statement said.

The group maintained that its struggle was focused on achieving Biafran self-determination through peaceful means and that it had no intention of enforcing any sit-at-home order.

IPOB further alleged that the circulation of the report, alongside an anonymous voice note and the reported withdrawal or redeployment of security personnel, was part of an attempt to create insecurity and blame the group.

It said the purported report was also intended to distract public attention from the position of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, which the group said was delivered at the AVID Convention.

The group called on the police to provide verifiable evidence supporting the allegations, including the original recording, its source and the basis for linking the alleged message to IPOB or ESN.

It also urged the Federal Government to address what it described as pressing concerns, including hunger, unemployment, insecurity and Kanu’s continued detention, which it considers unlawful.

The police allegations cited by IPOB were not independently verified in the statement.