A renewed force of military troops will be deployed in the South East geopolitical zone to effectively counter the announcement by the pro-Biafra agitator and Finland based Simon Ekpa, of a two-week sit-at-home scheduled to commence on July 31.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who stated that the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Major General Taoreed Lagbaja issued a directive to deployment of the troops, said Ekpa’s announcement was unlawful would be resisted.
Nwachukwu said that the COAS directed that the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, with other security agencies would conduct patrols and ensure the free movement of citizens.
He stated: “The renewed threat by IPOB to compel the people in South Eastern Nigeria to sit at home is not only appalling but a violation of their fundamental rights and therefore, unlawful. This will never be condoned.”
The army spokesperson called on residents in the South-East to disregard Ekpa’s order and trust the security forces in their efforts to counter IPOB.
He implored the public to shun threats aimed at compelling them to sit at home and align with security operatives to resist the Ekpa’s illegality.
Similarly, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the police have taken action against non-state actors enforcing the order, resulting in arrests and the confiscation of weapons.
Adejobi assured that adequate security measures are in place to thwart any insurgence and urged the people to continue with their lawful activities.
Ekpa’s call out is part of his campaign to force the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He warned that disobeying the order would have serious consequences.
