The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, on Thursday led a joint security operation to enforce the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market ordered by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The closure followed the traders’ alleged failure to comply with the state government’s directive to resume normal business activities on Mondays and disregard the sit-at-home order.
Governor Soludo issued the directive on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the market alongside government officials.
By Tuesday, security agencies had barricaded the market, deploying a heavy presence of personnel around the area.
Armoured personnel carriers and patrol vans were positioned at key entry points to restrict access, while traders and members of the public were prevented from entering the market.
The enforcement sparked protests on Wednesday, as some traders and residents reportedly blocked the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway near the River Niger Bridge for several minutes before security operatives intervened to disperse the crowd.
Speaking during a follow-up security assessment at the market on Thursday, Orutugu said his visit was aimed at reinforcing public order and supervising the deployment of security personnel.
“This is a security assessment tour to personally supervise and evaluate the deployment of police-led joint security forces at strategic locations within Onitsha,” he said.
According to him, the operation reflects the police command’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring compliance with lawful directives.
“This proactive engagement underscores our resolve to maintain peace, ensure compliance with lawful directives, and prevent any breach of public order,” the CP stated.
He added that the security situation in the commercial city remains stable.
“The situation in Onitsha is calm and firmly under control. We continue to reassure residents, traders, and commuters of their safety,” Orutugu said.
The one-week shutdown, which entered its second day on Thursday, has continued to generate reactions from traders and residents, even as security agencies maintain surveillance across the market and its environs.
