By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards safeguidung the nation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General, Taoreed Lagbaja, has disclosed that the South East has been salvaged from the insecurity circumstances that used to prevail in the Zone.
He spoke during his visit to Imo State and the 82 Division area of responsibility to interact with the troops, obtain first hand information on their well-being and state of infrastructue, as well as evaluate ongoing operations.
A statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the Army Chief also paid Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma a courtesy visit at the Imo State Government House, during an operational tour of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze Barracks in Owerri, on Thursday 11 January, 2024.
The COAS pointed out that “Imo State and the South East in general have been salvaged from the aura of apprehension and insecurity that previously pervaded the region.”
He extolled the good people and Government of Imo and other South Eastern States for their cooperation and support for the Nigerian Army (NA) sister services and other security agencies.
According to him, the whole of society approach will be a formidable antidote to the security situation in the South East.
Gen Lagbaja also addressed troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, charging them not to allow themselves to be distracted or derailed from the constitutional objective of the NA.
He assured them that their working and living conditions will continue to top the agenda of his Command
The Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma, at the government house, showered encomiums on troops of the Nigerian Army “in appreciation of their operational efforts in mitigating threats to national security in the country.”
The Governor also pointed out that his administration witnessed the troops fight tirelessly in synergy with other services and security agencies to restore peace and stability in Imo and contiguous states.
He added, that the synergy between the military and other security agencies under the auspices of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDOKA provided a secure and enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the recently concluded elections in the state.
Governor Uzodinma urged the troops to sustain the effort, pledging that the state will continue to support them and encourage peace for socio-economic growth of the state, the South East and Nigeria in general.
He enjoined the NA and other security agencies to intensify their effort in the North East and North West Nigeria to restore peace and tranquility in the troubled regions.
