“Sit-At-Home Order by IPOB in South-East Has Ended,” Says Chief of Army Staff

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, announced that the sit-at-home order enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across South-Eastern states in Nigeria has come to an end.

This development follows months of heightened efforts by the Nigerian military and collaboration with various stakeholders to restore normalcy in the region.

The sit-at-home order, initiated by IPOB in August 2021, was a demand for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was in detention at the time. The order severely impacted the economy of the South-East and resulted in the loss of lives and property.

Speaking at the COAS combined second and third quarters conference in Abuja on Tuesday, General Lagbaja stated that the successful end of the sit-at-home order was a result of sustained efforts and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. He noted that Operation Udo Ka, involving Nigerian troops and various government agencies, played a pivotal role in restoring normalcy to the South-East.

General Lagbaja stated, “We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South-East Region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network. Through Operation Udo Ka, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit-at-home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the Region.”

He further emphasized the positive impact of these efforts, stating that law-abiding citizens in the South-East could now go about their daily lives without hindrance. The removal of the sit-at-home order has begun to rejuvenate economic activities in the region.

The Army Chief also highlighted successes in the fight against terrorism in the North-East. General Lagbaja noted that Operation Hadin Kai had effectively curtailed Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the region. This has resulted in the large-scale surrender of terrorists and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

General Lagbaja mentioned the efforts to rebuild affected areas, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, to restore governance and encourage commercial activities.

• Kanu Disowns Ekpa, Calls for End to Sit-At-Home
• Ohanaeze Ndigbo Backs Government’s Efforts to End Sit-at-Home
• Nigerian Troops Destroy Camps of Criminals Claiming to be IPOB , ESN in Anambra State
• Ekpa Warns Oil Companies Against Disregarding Sit-At-Home Order
• Kanu, Enugu Govt. want sit-at-home to end in S’East

In addition to addressing security challenges, General Lagbaja stated that the Nigerian Army has established Special Forces units equipped with specialized personnel and equipment to tackle various forms of criminality across the country. He emphasized the need to maintain and protect these resources for prolonged effectiveness.

The Chief of Army Staff also assured that the welfare of troops and their families would be a top priority during his tenure. Measures such as providing suitable living quarters for personnel and the introduction of the “Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme” were outlined to enhance the well-being of troops and their families.

General Lagbaja’s announcement marks a significant development in efforts to restore normalcy and economic activities in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria while maintaining security and peace in other parts of the country.