Sit At Home Order: COAS Calls For Collaborative Efforts Amongst Stakeholders In The South East
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
In a bid to end the sit-at-home order in the South East region of the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for collaborative efforts amongst critical stakeholders in the region.
The COAS who made the call while on an Operational visit to 14 Brigade Nigerian Army (NA), Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) Barracks in Ohafia, Abia State, 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.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, thanked the Abia State Government for its support to the NA and reassured that under his watch the NA will continue to work with the State Government and the people of Abia State to curb insecurity.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, in his response, appreciated the efforts of NA troops in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies in addressing threats to security in the state, which he noted, has translated positively to 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, adding 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, saying it 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 positively on the GEJ Barracks as well urging the troops to remain resolute in the conduct of their operational tasks and remain loyal to the President, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The COAS urged the troops to 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.
A statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the COAS reassured troops that their welfare will be given the desired attention under his watch especially as the Federal Government has supported the NA tremendously.