Community leaders in Ebonyi State have commended the Nigerian military for the successes recorded under Operation UDOKA, describing the operation as a major boost to peace, security and socio-economic activities across the South East region.
The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, made this known during an operational tour of the state by Defence Correspondents to assess the prevailing security situation.
According to him, the sustained presence of troops has had a positive impact on the local communities, significantly reducing criminal activities and restoring public confidence in the area.
He specifically praised the proactive posture of the troops, noting that their efforts ensured peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations across Ikwo and its environs.
The council chairman reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to continue cooperating with the military and other security agencies through intelligence-driven policing and community engagement, aimed at dismantling the activities of criminal elements.
Also speaking, the Traditional Ruler of Amagikwo, His Royal Majesty Eze Dominic Ibor, lauded the military for restoring peace and stability in the region, stressing that traditional institutions remain key partners in sustaining security.
Timely intelligence
The monarch assured that traditional rulers would continue to mobilise their communities to gather and share timely intelligence with security agencies in order to identify and neutralise threats before they escalate.
The Women Leader of Ikwo Community, Mrs. Igwe Ngozi Margaret, applauded the military, stating that the presence of soldiers has brought renewed discipline among the youths, leading to a sharp decline in cultism, robbery and other criminal activities.
Similarly, the Youth Leader, Dr. Onyechi Nwankwo, acknowledged the impact of the military operations and reiterated the youths’ commitment to supporting efforts geared towards safeguarding lives and property within the community.
The Commander Officer 24 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Ikenna Chielo, highlighted the unit’s non-kinetic operations, which include community engagement, conflict resolution, medical outreaches, humanitarian assistance and civil-military cooperation activities.
He recalled that Operation UDOKA has recorded significant achievements, including the neutralisation of secessionist activities by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), with the destruction of 45 camps, 51 bunkering sites and the rescue of 49 hostages, reaffirming the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede’s commitment to restoring and sustaining peace across Nigeria.
Lateefah Ibrahim