The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has convened an emergency closed-door security meeting with all area and tactical commanders in response to the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra on Monday.
At the meeting at the police headquarters in Awka on Sunday, Orutugu ordered an immediate increase in intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing to prevent any threat to lives and property.
Recall that IPOB declared a complete lockdown of all economic activities across the South-East and other Biafran territories on Monday, February 2, 2026, in solidarity with Onitsha Main Market traders.
The proscribed group, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Friday, called on traders, transporters, banks, schools, civil servants, and every sector across Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and beyond to observe the solidarity strike peacefully.
In a counter statement released on Saturday, IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said the source behind the directive, operating under the guise of “Emma Powerful,” has been compromised and is acting against the collective interest of Ndi-Igbo.
Ejiofor publicly discredited the lockdown order issued by Emma Powerful, the group’s spokesperson. Ejiofor stated that the directive is a “fake” and a “calculated falsehood,” urging the public to ignore it, as the IPOB has long denounced sit-at-home orders and has no connection to the purported directive.
However, the CP, in a press statement on Sunday, urged Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant, discerning, united, and refuse to succumb to such divisive narratives.
He said the emergency meeting was convened in response to threats by non-state actors.
He said, “Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of full resumption of all social, commercial, and official activities in Anambra State on Monday, the Police Command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts by some non-state actors aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public.
“These misleading narratives are intended to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State.
“However, the Command notes with confidence that Ndi Anambra have remained vigilant, discerning, and united, refusing to succumb to such divisive narratives.
“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety.
“The Police Command has directed the immediate intensification of intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing operations to forestall any threat to lives and property.
“The Command reassures the public that adequate security measures have been put in place and urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content being propagated by non-state actors and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels.”
In attendance at the meeting were officers in charge of various joint security forces across the state, as well as the representative of the state government on security.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains fully committed to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of all residents and visitors to the State,” the statement added.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Anambra State Government announced that the Onitsha Main Market would reopen on Monday for full economic and commercial activities, while assuring traders and residents of maximum security.
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