Sit-At-Home: Defiant Suspected IPOB Members Shot Dead In Anambra

By Ayodele Oni 

Despite truce and order from the convicted leader of the Independent People’s of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to his followers to halt enforcement of Monday’s sit at home order, some of the defiant followers still armed themselves and embarked on patrol to force people to obey the order on Monday.

They, however, met their waterloo as security forces in Anambra State neutralized three suspected members of the group and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during an anti–sit-at-home patrol along the Nnewi–Oba Road.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had ordered the immediate total cancellation of the Monday Sit-At-Home across the South-East, with effect from February 9, 2026.

Kanu, in a statement on Sunday through IPOB’s  spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said that with the current directive, there is no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays, adding that markets, schools, offices, Banks, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from Monday.

The statement read in part: “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.

According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on February 9, when a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and local vigilantes encountered armed suspects barricading the road near Akaboukwu, Uruagu area of Nnewi.

On sighting the patrol, the suspects reportedly opened fire, prompting a gun battle. The operatives returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes. 

Three of the suspected militants were neutralized during the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, reportedly abandoning their firearms.

The bodies of the neutralized suspects were recovered at the scene, with assorted charms found on their waists, hands, and necks. 

They were evacuated, confirmed dead by medical personnel, and deposited at a morgue for autopsy and preservation.

The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustain counter-terrorism and crime prevention operations across the state, stressing that security agencies will continue to act decisively to protect residents and prevent the enforcement of unlawful directives.