The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect involved in enforcing an “illegal” sit-at-home order at the Oba flyover in Idemili South Local Government Area.

In a statement on Thursday, state police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga reported that the suspect was part of a gang of four armed men preparing to enforce the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 30.

Ikenga explained that the arrest followed intelligence indicating that armed men on motorbikes were regrouping in the area. Police operatives intercepted the gang, arresting one suspect while the other three escaped with bullet injuries.

“Based on gathered intelligence, operatives laid an ambush along the Oba flyover in Idemili South LGA on May 29, 2024, at 2 pm. They intercepted a gang of four armed men on motorbikes, demobilizing one suspect while the other three fled with bullet injuries,” Ikenga stated.

The police recovered a locally made Beretta pistol, four spent cartridges, two phones, and materials showing disloyalty to the Nigerian government.

“Preliminary information indicated that the armed men were regrouping to enforce the illegal sit-at-home on May 30, 2024. The operatives are actively pursuing the three suspects who escaped,” Ikenga added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Obono Itam, has urged operatives to sustain their efforts against criminal elements and prevent them from causing chaos in the state.

The command also warned against disseminating threatening messages about the sit-at-home, as such actions could disturb public peace. The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state.

The IPOB had declared a sit-at-home order for May 30 to commemorate Biafra Heroes Day, honoring those who died during the Civil War.