Operation Udoka: Irabor issues marching order to troops to cripple criminals In South East
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has called upon the troops of Operation Udoka to intensify their efforts and eradicate the remaining criminal elements in the South East region.
Addressing the troops, comprising personnel from the military and para-military security organizations, Irabor stated, “It is your duty to eradicate the criminal elements that are disrupting the peace and socio-economic stability of the South East.”
The CDS delivered his message at the headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu on Tuesday.
In his speech, Irabor also relayed the commendation of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief, who expressed his appreciation for the troops’ unwavering dedication displayed thus far in the operation.
Irabor also expressed his gratitude to the troops for their successful execution of the operation, which commenced in late January 2023, resulting in violence-free, fair, and credible elections in the South East region.
“From the briefs I have been receiving from the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, who is the overall Commander of the Operation and other field commanders, I am proud of your conduct during the general elections.
“I say well done to you for your effectiveness and commitment that led to a resounding success during the general elections.
“However, it is not over yet, I want you to redouble your efforts and get ready for more serious work to see that pockets of insecurity in the South East by criminal elements are totally checked,” he said.
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) emphasized the importance of backing Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other South East governors in their recent decision to halt the unlawful sit-at-home order. The CDS stressed that this action is crucial in preventing the significant social, economic, cultural, and relational damages suffered by the region’s residents.
He said: “I am using this medium to call on the people of Enugu State and the South East that they should not allow any criminal enterprise a space to operate within Enugu State and the South East any more.
“They should join efforts with members of the security agencies to defile illegal order of sit-at-home in the region.
“I am counseling the criminals to desist from illegal and criminal enterprise of keeping people down on the guise of sit-at-home.”
Irabor said that the sit-at-home order “does not do anybody any good; rather there are avenues that the aggrieved can channel any grievance.”