On Monday, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, initiated a "rigorous" show of force, extensive deployment, and area dominance in various flashpoints across the state. The state commandant of the NSCDC, Olatunde Maku, stated during the exercise that its primary objective is to safeguard the lives and property of residents.

The NSCDC emphasized that the deployments were also intended to protect critical national assets across the state and strengthen overall security as part of its anti-sit-at-home confidence-building patrol. Maku highlighted that the deployment and visible patrolling of personnel aimed to ensure that Anambra residents could conduct their legitimate activities securely on Mondays.

The Monday sit-at-home exercise was introduced in 2021 across the South-East region by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest against the rendition and continuous detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Despite IPOB's suspension of the exercise, people continue to observe it due to fear of attacks by hoodlums, who have exploited the situation to unleash various assaults on businesses and properties, compelling compliance.

On Mondays, commercial and economic activities come to a halt, with markets, motor parks, petrol filling stations, schools, and other critical public enterprises remaining closed for the day.

Commenting on the significance of the exercise, Maku emphasized that it aimed to build confidence for a seamless return to business on Mondays across the state. He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, to occupy public spaces and send a strong message to potential troublemakers that business would not proceed as usual.

Maku stated that officers deployed for the assignment received strict instructions to be civil, professional, and firm in their duties, adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure and Rules of Engagement. He noted that the success of the operation resulted in the opening of more banks compared to the previous week, indicating public fatigue with forced sit-at-home orders.

The NSCDC encouraged the public to provide vital information on the movement and activities of suspicious individuals or groups to enhance security within their neighborhoods. Maku reassured residents that the operation would continue to revive economic activities in the state and keep miscreants at bay.

The exercise covered all banking facilities, business offices, and critical assets in the state, starting from bank areas at Regina Ceili Junction, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to Eke Awka Market and Ziks Avenue, Awka, where most activities occur.

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