In a decisive move to curb the persistent Monday sit-at-home practice in Anambra State, security operatives, including police and Nigerian Army personnel, have sealed off the iconic Onitsha Main Market, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs. Security personnel were actively deployed across the area, with several vehicles—including armoured personnel carriers and Hilux vans—strategically positioned to block key access points throughout the market.
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The closure enforces Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive for a one-week shutdown from Monday, January 26, 2026, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. The market is scheduled to reopen on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The action followed traders’ failure to open for business on Monday, despite repeated government directives to disregard the sit-at-home order. Governor Soludo personally visited the market on Monday, observed widespread compliance with the shutdown, and issued the enforcement order. He described the continued observance as “protracted economic sabotage” and warned that non-compliance after the one-week period could result in a month-long closure, with escalating penalties for future Mondays.
@thenigerialawyerSecurity Operatives Seal Onitsha Main Market as Soludo Enforces One-Week Shutdown Over Monday Sit-at-Home♬ original sound – TheNigeriaLawyer
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, confirmed the development, highlighting its economic implications. According to the government, the state loses approximately ₦8 billion weekly, while the broader South-East region suffers an estimated ₦19.6 billion in weekly losses due to disruptions in commerce, education, work, and transportation.
“The Government of Anambra State hereby informs the general public that Onitsha Main Market will remain closed from Monday, January 26, 2026, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. The market will reopen for business on Monday, February 2, 2026,” the statement read. “Traders are further warned that failure to resume trading on Mondays may result in a one-month closure. All other markets in Anambra State remain open and are expected to operate on Mondays. Any market found closed on Mondays will face similar sanctions.”
The Monday sit-at-home was introduced in August 2021 by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to press for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. While IPOB has officially suspended the order, compliance continues in parts of the South-East due to fears of intimidation, sporadic violence, and enforcement by criminal elements. Successive state governments, traditional rulers, and business groups have condemned the practice for its devastating effects on regional commerce.
Governor Soludo emphasized that the enforcement is crucial to restoring normalcy and protecting livelihoods. He assured traders of maximum security for those complying with the order and urged citizens to report violations via hotline 5111. Public reactions have been mixed, with some praising the strong stance against economic disruption, while others criticize the measures as heavy-handed amid lingering security concerns
Whether he has the legal right to close or regulate private businesses is subject to legal limits under Nigerian law.
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