The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected a purported police intelligence report alleging that the group and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) planned to resume enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order from October 12, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday in Owerri, Imo State, IPOB spokesperson and Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful described the document, dated October 9, as fabricated.
The group alleged that the report was intended to revive what it characterised as a propaganda narrative against its leadership and activities.
IPOB also accused unnamed political actors and former members of the disbanded Directorate of State of being involved in what it described as an effort to discredit the organisation.
The allegations were made by IPOB and could not be independently established from the information provided.
Group disputes authenticity of purported report
According to the statement, the document carried the reference number CB:4089/FID/INTLAB/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.14/231 and was purportedly issued under the name of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department.
IPOB maintained that the document was not authentic and rejected the allegation that it intended to resume enforcing the sit-at-home order.
The dispute raises questions about the origin and authenticity of the circulating document, as well as the need for clear communication from the relevant security authorities where intelligence claims have the potential to generate public anxiety.
An official response from the Nigeria Police Force confirming or refuting the document was not included in the material provided for this report.
Security concerns remain significant in the South-East
The Monday sit-at-home order has remained a contentious security and public-order issue in parts of the South-East, affecting commercial activities, transport, education and the movement of residents.
Past enforcement and threats associated with sit-at-home actions have contributed to concerns among businesses, commuters and local communities.
Any claim that enforcement is about to resume therefore has implications beyond political disagreement, particularly for residents who must assess the safety of travelling to work, attending school or operating businesses.
Clear verification by the relevant authorities is important to prevent misinformation from escalating tensions or disrupting daily life.
For now, IPOB has rejected the reported plan, while the authenticity of the purported intelligence document remains unverified on the information available.