FG ASSURES OF ERADICATING INSECURITY IN SOUTHEAST REGION

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the event

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has pledged to eradicate all forms of insecurity in the South-East region.

He gave the assurance while addressing officers and personnel of 82 Division/Joint Task Force SouthEast Operation Udoka during his operational visit to the region In a statement made available by the Director Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Badaru expressed appreciation for troops’ performance, urging them to intensify their efforts in combating insecurity in the region.

The Honourable Minister acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East populace, saying that security and peace are essential for businesses to thrive. “We seek your candid suggestions and information on how we can practically enhance security and foster lasting peace in this region,” he added.

Badaru disclosed further President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity in the South-East, explaining the progress made by the Tinubu’s administration over the past one year in combating insecurity across the nation, particularly in the South East region.

“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he declared.In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division/ Joint Task Force South East Operation Udo ka, Major General Hassan Dada revealed that the Nigerian Army is implementing robust strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festive season.

Major General Dada, through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation UDOKA’, said that the aim is to create a secure atmosphere that facilitates the usual mass return for Christmas.

Speaking also, a retired senior Nigerian Army officer, Major General John Nwoga decried the role of social media in exacerbating insecurity, pointing out that the circulation of old videos depicting criminal activities contributes to create fear and panic within communities.

“It is imperative for our people to collectively address the negative impact of misleading information and fake news proliferated through social media,” Nwoga said.

The Minister of Defence also visited Imo State in continuation of his operational tour of SouthEast. He addressed the troops at the FOB okigwe, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Airforce owerri and Naval Base Oguta in Imo State.

He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR message to them and that they should improve on their successes.

The Minister also paid a courtesy visit to Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma. He extend his gratitude to the Governor for all his support to 82 Division of the Nigerian Army/ Joint Task force South East, Operation Udoka, stating that :”All the officers and personnel appreciate you.

He asserted that the Ministry of Defence remains committed to fostering a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business and community development in the South-East.

“We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria” he said. He also had at a meeting with key stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, students, and other community leaders, where issues such as collaborative strategies for addressing the current security challenges were discussed. Other military area visited by the Minister included the Nigerian Airforce Base Emene, Enugu.