Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, have expressed anger and frustration over the continued closure of six major markets by personnel of the Nigerian Army, who allegedly shut them down under the pretext of a crackdown on drug dealers.
Reports indicate that soldiers from the Onitsha 302 Artillery Regiment and General Support Service have taken control of the markets, locking up all shops and preventing traders from conducting business for over two weeks.
The markets affected by the military operation include:
– Onitsha Drug Market
– Oduwani (Power Tools and Allied) Market
– Surgical Line Market
– Plumbing Materials Market
– Ogbogwu Fashion Line Market
– Bridgehead Provision Market, along with part of the Timber Dealers Market
The clampdown reportedly began after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) sought military assistance in a drug raid. However, despite the conclusion of the operation, soldiers have continued to prevent businesses from reopening, causing heavy financial losses for traders.
Human rights organization International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has strongly condemned the military’s handling of the situation, describing it as an abuse of power.
The group stated that over 95% of the traders in these markets are legitimate business owners who have no links to illicit drugs and should not be punished for the actions of a few bad actors.
In a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety Board Chairman, the group demanded the immediate reopening of the markets and called for a refund of at least ₦20 billion in losses suffered by the affected traders since February 9, 2025.
“We at the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law strongly condemn the total shutdown and militarization of these markets since February 9, 2025,” the statement reads.
“Innocent traders have been starved, threatened, and driven out of their legitimate businesses. Instead of using intelligence-driven tactics to identify and arrest drug kingpins, the army has chosen to punish entire markets indiscriminately.”
The group also accused some soldiers of engaging in corrupt practices and warned that forcibly seizing shops and goods could result in lawsuits against the Nigerian Army and NAFDAC.
Intersociety urged Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the markets. The organization also warned NAFDAC against using the military to enforce its policies, calling for a more professional approach to tackling drug-related crimes.
Meanwhile, affected traders have vowed to continue protesting until the markets are reopened. Many have called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the situation and prevent further economic hardship in the region.
With businesses shut and economic activities crippled, concerns are growing over the impact on thousands of traders and their families who rely on these markets for survival.
