By Nkechi Eze
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has reassured residents of the South East that the region remains open, safe, and fully secured for business and lawful activities, despite a false “sit-at-home” order being circulated online by criminal elements seeking to instil fear and disrupt normal life.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Army described the threat message as a deliberate attempt to create public panic, undermine government authority, and derail the significant gains made by security agencies in ending unlawful sit-at-home enforcements imposed by proscribed groups. He noted that such faceless threats were aimed at destabilising the region and sabotaging the livelihoods of innocent citizens.
According to him, the Nigerian Army, working in close coordination with the Police and other security agencies, has activated a robust security architecture designed to guarantee the safety of lives, property, major installations, and economic activities across all states in the region. Security forces, he said, have been strategically deployed to deter any form of sabotage and ensure that no criminal group disrupts public peace.
The statement reaffirmed that freedom of movement is fully protected, and residents are encouraged to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or hindrance. Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni emphasised that the South East will continue to enjoy peaceful coexistence and uninterrupted economic activities as security agencies remain alert and proactive.
The Army urged the public to disregard the misleading messages being propagated by groups desperate to cause panic and slow down progress. Citizens were encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with ongoing security efforts, with a reminder that “if you see something, say something” remains a vital tool in maintaining regional stability.
Criminal elements planning to enforce any illegal or unfounded order were warned to desist, as the Nigerian Army vowed that anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands would be met with decisive action in accordance with the law.
The 82 Division reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no threat real or imagined succeeds in disrupting the peace, unity, and economic wellbeing of the South East region.
