Nigerian Army Shuts Down Six Anambra Markets, Traders Face Massive Losses

Anger as Nigerian Army Shuts Down Six Onitsha Markets, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

The shutdown of six major markets in Onitsha, Anambra State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army has sparked outrage, leaving thousands of traders in financial distress. Under the pretext of cracking down on drug dealers, the soldiers have taken over business hubs, halting legitimate trade activities and causing significant economic hardship.

Markets Affected by Military Clampdown

LMSINT MEDIA has learned that the affected markets include:

Onitsha Drug Market
Oduwani (Power Tools and Allied) Market
Surgical Line Market
Plumbing Materials Market
Ogbogwu Fashion Line Market
Bridgehead Provision Market
A section of the Timber Dealers Market

Reports indicate that soldiers from the Onitsha 302 Artillery Regiment and General Support Service have maintained strict control over these markets for weeks. Despite the initial intervention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to address the sale of counterfeit drugs, the markets remain closed, leaving traders helpless.

Human Rights Organization Condemns Army’s Actions

According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), the prolonged closure has led to massive financial losses amounting to at least ₦20 billion for traders, particularly those in Onitsha Drug Market. The organization strongly condemned the excessive use of military force, describing it as a “militarized approach” to handling civilian matters.

Intersociety urged NAFDAC to demand the immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian Army from the markets, citing unprofessional conduct and alleged corrupt practices by soldiers. The group also called for compensation for traders who have been financially devastated by the closure.

Traders Cry Out Over Economic Hardship

The forced closure has not only halted business operations but has also plunged thousands of traders into financial instability. Many report being unable to provide for their families as they have been denied access to their shops and forced out of their legitimate businesses.

“The worst part is that even traders in markets not directly targeted by NAFDAC’s operation have been locked out permanently,” a market leader lamented. “We support efforts to remove counterfeit drugs, but the suffering inflicted on innocent traders is unacceptable.”

Calls for an Immediate End to the Shutdown

While stakeholders agree that eliminating counterfeit drugs is necessary, they argue that it should not come at the expense of legitimate businesses. Rights groups, trade associations, and community leaders are now appealing to authorities to restore normalcy and allow economic activities to resume.

For further updates on this developing story, visit BBC News for related reports.