The Nigerian Army has identified criminal elements as the source of a viral message calling for a “sit-at-home” order in the South-East, describing the threat as fake and intended to create panic.
In a statement on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the message was designed 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 assured residents that the Army and other security agencies have deployed robust measures to ensure public safety, stressing that no illegal directive would be allowed to restrict the movement of law-abiding citizens.
“Freedom of movement is protected, and residents are free to conduct their lawful activities without fear or hindrance,” he said. Economic activities are expected to continue without disruption.
Ayeni warned that anyone attempting to enforce the fake order or take the law into their own hands would face consequences under the law.
“Criminal elements are warned… anyone attempting to enforce any unfounded illegal order will be decisively dealt with according to the law,” he said, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The Army called on citizens to ignore messages from groups “whose only aim is to create panic and hinder progress” and encouraged everyone to go about their normal duties.
