The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral message circulating on social media claiming a “sit-at-home” order in the South-East, describing it as fake and the handiwork of criminal elements.
In a statement on Thursday, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, said the false threat was intended to instill fear, disrupt livelihoods, and destabilize the region.
“The threat message is designed to create fear in the public domain, disrupt sources of livelihood, and destabilize the South-East region,” Ayeni said.
He added that the Army, alongside other security agencies, had deployed a robust security architecture to ensure residents’ safety, emphasizing that no illegal directive would be allowed to restrict the movement of law-abiding citizens.
“We unequivocally assure the good people of the South-East that such threats are baseless. Freedom of movement is protected, and residents are free to conduct their lawful activities without fear or hindrance,” Ayeni stated. He further noted that economic activities are expected to continue without disruption.
The Army also warned that anyone attempting to enforce the fake order or take the law into their own hands would face legal consequences.
“Criminal elements are warned… anyone attempting to enforce any unfounded illegal order will be decisively dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Ayeni urged the public to ignore attempts by groups aiming to create panic and hinder progress, encouraging citizens to go about their normal duties. He also called for vigilance: “If you see something, please say something.”
