The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed reports that it plans to resume enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order across the South-East, insisting that its campaign for Biafran self-determination is peaceful.
In a statement released on Monday, the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of collaborating with politicians and former members of IPOB’s disbanded Directorate of State (DOS) to circulate what he described as misleading claims about a possible return of the sit-at-home order.
Powerful said the allegations originated from a purported police intelligence report dated October 9, 2026, which claimed that IPOB and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), intended to resume enforcement of the order on October 12.
“The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, rejects the allegations contained in the purported police intelligence report dated October 9, 2026, which claims that IPOB/ESN intends to resume Monday sit-at-home enforcement from 12 October 2026,” the statement reads.
“The Nigerian Police Force, acting in concert with unscrupulous politicians and residual elements of the sacked and long-expelled members of the compromised third administration of the Directorate of State, has once again recycled its tired and transparent propaganda script.
“The so-called ‘Intelligence Report’ dated October 9, 2026, bearing reference CB:4089/FID/INTLAB/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.14/231 and signed under the name of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, is a fabrication pure and simple.
“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.
“IPOB has repeatedly stated, and we restate today with absolute clarity: we have no business with enforcement. Our struggle is political, lawful, and directed solely at the realisation of Biafran self-determination through peaceful means.”
The IPOB spokesperson further alleged that the withdrawal of security personnel from some parts of the South-East was intended to create conditions that could lead to renewed violence in the region.
According to Powerful, the group had previously raised concerns that the removal of security operatives could trigger fresh unrest. He maintained that the alleged police intelligence report had further heightened those concerns.
Powerful called on the Federal Government and those he accused of collaborating with the police to stop circulating “false information” and focus instead on addressing the country’s pressing challenges, including hunger, unemployment and insecurity.
He also demanded the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as illegal.
The spokesperson challenged the police to substantiate the allegations by making available the original recording of the purported message, identifying its source and explaining the evidence used to link it to IPOB or the ESN.
