CDS guidance led to zero criminal activities during the festive period in Southeast region – GOC
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Major General Oluremi Fadairo has attributed the successes recorded in the South Eastern region of Nigeria with zero criminal activities during the festive periods to the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
The Major General stated this when he hosted Defence Correspondents from Abuja to the division recently. The GOC who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Brig Gen SA Jimoh revealed that the Operation Udo ka has crippled the activities of secessionist agitators and other criminal elements within the south East zone with the people celebrating the Christmas and New Year peacefully.
He highlighted the successes recorded as destruction of 45 camps of miscreants, elimination of 51 bunkering sites, freed 49 hostages, arrests of IPOB/ESN Terrorist members and handed over to the appropriate authority for investigation, recovering of quantities of AK 47 rifles, pump action rifles, pistols and locally fabricated guns, as well as different types of explosives and ammunition of different caliber.
The GOC reiterated that they are carrying out alot of clearance operations to eliminate the criminals activities completely with the backing of the CDS.
A tour to the Commanding Officer 24 Support Engineer Regiment at Nkwagu military cantonment in Abakaliki, Lt.Col. Ikenna Chielo underscored the supports accorded to the troops by the CDS thereby winning the fight against terrorists in the region.
Lt Col Chielo showcased the exceptional performance of the troops in weeding out criminal elements in Ebonyi region of the operational theatre, crediting this success to the resolute leadership at the Defence Headquarters under the team leader, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division.
The Officer summoned that the synergy with other security operatives, and supports by the local community the troops through intelligent gathering have arrested and recovered several weapons being imported by the criminals using the Afikpo route which share boundary with Cameroon.
He said “Our operations has terminated the movement of small arms and light weapons, particularly as these malefactors groups use the region as a transit point for arms trafficking from Cameroon.
He posited that the military operations have successfully ended communal clashes among the various communities, cultism activities and youth unrest occasioned by the militant wing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“our operations have successfully prevented escalation in specific incidents.The deployment of troops by the Defence Headquarters, in forward operating bases has been effective in mitigating potential attacks, and ongoing monitoring of underground activities, which is crucial to maintaining stability.
“A standby quick reaction force is maintained to respond swiftly to any incidents, ensuring support for operational bases and preventing further escalation of violence.
The Commanding Officer said the operations also target cult members, who are often utilised by terrorists and other criminal groups, aided by the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.
He maintained that their synergy with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), police, civil defence among others has successfully clampdown activities of high-profile criminals through a coordinated approach in the region.
He applauded the civil-military cooperation initiatives of the Defence Headquarters, through its outreach programs as being helpful, including medical services and educational support for local schools.
He noted that that the unit under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, and the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, also plays a role in conflict resolution, stepping in to assist local governments and traditional leaders in managing disputes.
According to him, this involvement is part of their broader non-kinetic operations aimed at fostering community relations and stability. He said the military emphasises the importance of physical training and regular medical assessments to maintain operational readiness.
“Training initiatives include internal security duties, civilian protection, and specialised counter-IED training, supported by new equipment from Army Headquarters.
“Communication is highlighted as a critical component of operations, with the unit utilising both GSM and handheld radios for effective coordination. Recent enhancements include the acquisition of a communication vehicle to further improve operational communication capabilities. Overall, the unit’s efforts reflect a commitment to both military effectiveness and community engagement.”
He emphasized that communication capabilities of Operation UdoKa have significantly improved, allowing effective outreach to areas as far as Calabar and other states noting that the introduction of drones by the military has enhanced operational intelligence, contributing to overall mission effectiveness.
On the motivating factor for his men, the Commanding Officer revealed that the welfare initiatives from the Army Headquarters have been beneficial, offering various loan packages, including cash, car, motorcycle, and housing loans for the regiment under his supervision, which he said encourage soldiers to participate and improve their financial well-being.
“The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) plays a crucial role in supporting medical needs, providing assistance for drug production and covering part of medical bills for secondary cases.
“A recently renovated Medical Reception Station (MRS) serves the troops and their families, extending care to the surrounding Nkwagwu community. Functional ambulances are available for emergencies, with referrals made to the Alex Ukweme Federal University Teaching Hospital for cases requiring advanced care.
“Mental health is prioritised, with initiatives such as granting passes to soldiers to foster family connections and boost morale. The barracks are equipped with various recreational and sporting facilities, including active officers’ and soldiers’ messes, promoting a balanced lifestyle for personnel”. He added.
Meanwhile communities leaders at various states during the visit have praised the military for their interventions thereby bringing lasting peace to the people.
The Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu state, Dr. Vitalis Chinedu Ndu has confessed to journalists that since the military intervention especially taking over the Ezeagu Forest peace has returned to the land.
He said ” I can tell you people without mimicking words that before the military intervention in my local government our people are always falling victims of criminal activities such as kidnapping and taking them to this forest but since the military operations peace has been restored and our people can now sleep with their eyes closed.
The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo stressed that his people are experiencing lasting peace with the operations of the military and other security agencies.
The traditional ruler of Amagikwo, His Royal Majesty Eze Dominic Ibor commended the soldiers for restoring peace and stability in the region while assuring them of their supports in providing necessary information for successful Operations.
Also speaking, the women leader of Ikwo community, Mrs. Igwe Ngozi Margaret applauded the military operations by noting that their presence has bring back discipline among the youths.
She explained that their youths have shun cultism activities, robbery and other criminal act since the existence of soldiers in their communities.
On his part, the youth leader, Dr. Onyechi Nwankwo while acknowledging the effort of military operations reiterated their commitment in ensuring safety of lives and properties in the community.
Overall, the Defence Media Operations tour to Southeast region has effectively built connections with communities, contributed to improved security cooperation and stability in the region through providing information dissemination to the masses. The face-to-face interactions has foster greater understanding and cooperation with the people.