Operation Udoka Restores Calm As South-East Communities Hail Military For Improved Security
For communities long trapped in fear and uncertainty, a renewed sense of safety is beginning to take hold across parts of Nigeria’s South-East, with residents crediting the Nigerian military’s Operation Udoka for a noticeable turnaround in security.
In Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, community leaders and residents say the operation has brought back peace, curbed criminal activities and restored public confidence, allowing daily life to return to normal.
The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, described the military’s presence as having a “clearly positive impact,” noting that residents were able to enjoy peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations for the first time in several years.
He commended the troops for their proactive engagement with communities and pledged continued cooperation through intelligence sharing and community-based policing to further dismantle criminal networks.
Traditional ruler of Amagikwo, His Royal Majesty Eze Dominic Ibor, also praised the soldiers, describing their efforts as critical to restoring stability in the area.
He assured that traditional institutions would continue mobilising residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
Women leader of the Ikwo community, Mrs Ngozi Margaret Igwe, said the sustained military presence has helped restore discipline among youths, leading to a decline in cultism, robbery and other criminal activities.
Similarly, youth leader, Dr Onyechi Nwankwo, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to working with security agencies to safeguard lives and property
Speaking during a Defence Correspondents’ tour to Abakaliki, the Commander of 24 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Ikenna Chielo, highlighted the military’s kinetic and non-kinetic operations, which include medical outreaches, school support, town hall meetings and conflict resolution initiatives.
“We value community support. Our engagements go beyond security to building trust, providing humanitarian assistance and strengthening civil-military cooperation,” he said.
With communities and security forces now working more closely, residents say Operation Udoka is not only restoring peace, but it is rebuilding confidence and renewing hope across the region.
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