The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered residents of the state to disregard the stay-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

IPOB had ordered residents of south-eastern states to sit at home in commemoration of the Biafra Heroes Day on Friday.

In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the statement noted that Danjuma has assured residents of the state that the police command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has activated security measures to forestall any form of threat or attack across Imo.

This order comes as Imo residents comply with the directive, shut markets, and leave streets deserted.

“Joint security operatives have been strategically deployed across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State,” the statement read in part.

“These operatives are currently undertaking intensive confidence-building patrols and operation show-of-force to deter criminal elements and reassure members of the public.”

The police command also threatened to prosecute any person or group plotting to disrupt the peace of the state and cause unrest.

“The Imo State Police Command therefore issues a stern warning to any person or group planning to breach the peace by attempting to enforce the illegal sit-at-home threat: such persons will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.”

Okoye urged Imo residents to report any suspicious movement or activity within their environment to the police and also remain vigilant.