By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards ending sit-at-home order in the South East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has pushed for collaborative efforts among critical stakeholders in the area.
The Army Chief spoke on Wednesday 10 January, 2024 during an Operational visit to 14 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA), Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) Barracks in Ohafia, Abia State.
This was contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The COAS further “reiterated that the involvement of all stakeholders in the region will restore the region to normalcy, where socio-economic activities it is known for will blossom.”
Thanking the Abia State Government for the tremendous support the NA has been receiving in the State, he reassured that under his watch the NA will continue to support the State Government and the good people of Abia State to curb insecurity.
Responding, the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti expressed appreciation for the efforts of NA troops in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies in addressing threats to security in the State.
This, he noted, has translated positively in the reduction of insurgency in the State and entire South Eastern region.
Governor Otti was particularly pleased with “the introduction of Operation CRUSH in the State, and that all identified flash points have been relatively calm.”
Lieutenant General Lagbaja also visited the Headquarters 14 Brigade Ohafia, where he charged the troops to ensure that peace returns to the troubled parts of the region.
This, he said is a task that must be done to restore public confidence for citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear or intimidation.
He pledged that the infrastructural development currently sweeping through NA formations will surely impact on the GEJ Barracks as well.
The Army Chief further urged the troops to remain resolute in the conduct of their operational tasks and loyal to the President, Commander-in -Chief and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that troops must adhere to extant rules of engagement, respect the fundamental human rights of the citizenry and above all conduct themselves professionally in line with global best practices.
The COAS hinted that the Federal Government has supported the NA tremendously and reassured troops that their welfare will be given the desired attention under his watch.
