Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a member of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who was allegedly planning to enforce a sit-at-home order scheduled for May 30, 2025.

According to a press release by the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect, identified as Friday Obeta, 37, was apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad Nnewi Sector following credible intelligence.

"Operatives acting on credible information on how the proscribed Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra has set out plans to enforce Sit-At-Home on the 30th of May 2025 arrested one Friday Obeta," the statement read.

The police recovered several items from the suspect, including a motorcycle, a branded t-shirt, and an operational identification card of the proscribed organization.

According to the police spokesperson, Obeta has confessed to being a member and an informant for the proscribed group. The suspect has reportedly provided useful information that is aiding the investigation for the possible arrest of other gang members.

Biafra Day Remembrance

May 30th is observed by separatist groups, including MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as Biafra Day remembrance. The day commemorates those who lost their lives during the 30-month Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In response to the arrest and the upcoming commemoration, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed police operatives to intensify their operations and surveillance to prevent any unlawful gatherings in the state.

"The Commissioner of Police has charged operatives of the command to intensify their onslaught operations, given the suspect's confessions. He further urged them to step up surveillance operations to thwart any unlawful gathering in the State," Ikenga stated.

The police have not disclosed further details about the suspect's specific plans or whether he was acting alone or as part of a larger coordinated effort.

Both MASSOB and IPOB have been proscribed by the Nigerian government, with authorities consistently moving to prevent their activities, particularly sit-at-home orders which have previously disrupted economic and social activities in parts of the Southeast.