The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the cancellation of its long-running Monday sit-at-home protests across Nigeria’s South-East, effective February 9, 2026.
The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the directive came directly from IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB introduced the weekly sit-at-home action in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s arrest, extradition to Nigeria, and subsequent detention. Since then, economic and social activities across the region, including markets, schools, banks and offices, have routinely shut down on Mondays.
According to the statement, Kanu has now ordered a permanent end to the protest, urging residents to resume normal activities.
“The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement said.
It added that the decision was taken to allow children to return to school and for residents to carry out their lawful businesses without fear or disruption.
IPOB stated that, under the new directive, there is no justification for staying at home on Mondays and that markets, schools, offices, transport services and other economic activities should operate normally.
The group also warned against any individuals or groups seeking to impose sit-at-home measures going forward, saying such actions would be contrary to its instructions.
IPOB further alleged that some actors were attempting to create fear or intimidate residents into staying indoors under false pretences, and called on the public to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
At the same time, the group cautioned state governments against taking punitive actions against traders who choose, for personal reasons, not to open their businesses noting however that “the era of Monday sit-at-home is over.”