The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu has directed heightened surveillance and intensified security measures across the state in response to a sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an emergency closed-door meeting held at the police headquarters in Awka on Sunday with all area and tactical commanders, the CP instructed an immediate ramp-up of intelligence-led patrols, proactive policing, and round-the-clock monitoring to safeguard lives, property, and public order. The directive comes amid concerns over a purported IPOB call for residents to stay indoors on Monday, February 2, 2026, which some sources describe as a show of solidarity with traders affected by recent market closures.
Orutugu emphasized that the police remain fully committed to preventing any disruption or threat from non-state actors enforcing such orders. He urged residents, known as Ndi Anambra, to stay vigilant, reject divisive tactics, and go about their normal activities without fear, assuring them of robust security presence to maintain peace.
This move aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government and security agencies to counter the lingering effects of sit-at-home directives, which have historically disrupted economic and social life in the South-East. IPOB's lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has publicly disowned certain recent directives as fraudulent and not reflective of the group's official stance, calling on the public to ignore them and carry on with daily routines.
Authorities have stressed that compliance with the law and free movement remain paramount, with any attempt to intimidate or coerce residents facing swift response. The police appeal reflects broader determination to restore normalcy in Anambra amid these recurring tensions
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