The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of the weekly Monday sit-at-home directive across Nigeria’s South-East region, with effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The group said the decision was taken on the direct instruction of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who urged residents of the region to resume normal economic and social activities without fear or intimidation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said markets, schools, offices, transport services and other business activities should operate fully every Monday going forward.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally,” the statement read.
IPOB warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce a sit-at-home order would be acting against the explicit directive of Nnamdi Kanu and the broader objectives of the organisation.
The group stressed that such actions should not be associated with IPOB or its leadership.
The organisation also cautioned residents against possible intimidation or false-flag operations by individuals seeking to undermine the directive.
It urged people across the South-East to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while going about their daily activities.
IPOB further clarified that no state government has the authority to threaten or forcibly shut down markets or businesses under the guise of sit-at-home enforcement.
According to the group, any decision involving market renovation, relocation or closure must be carried out with the consent of stakeholders and accompanied by the provision of temporary trading locations.
The statement called on parents to ensure that children return to school and encouraged traders, civil servants and transport operators to resume work without apprehension.
The cancellation marks a major shift in IPOB’s long-standing policy, which for years resulted in weekly shutdowns across the South-East, significantly affecting economic activities, education and public life in the region.
Observers say the development could ease social and economic disruptions in the zone, as residents and businesses adjust to the end of a practice that had become a regular feature of Mondays in the South-East.
