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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said the sit-at-home order enforced by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East region has ended.
IPOB had in August 2021 commenced the sit-at-home order to demand the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from prison.
The order has impacted the economy in the region and resulted in the loss of lives and properties of residents in the South East.
Speaking at the combined second and third quarter conference of COAS in Abuja on Tuesday, Lagbaja said the menace ended as a result of the heightened efforts of his men and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South East region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network. Through Operation Udo Ka, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit at home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the region.
“Law-abiding citizens of the region now go about their businesses and everyday life. Similarly, our joint efforts with various government agencies have quelled attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South West region,” he said.
Lagbaja also revealed that the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist activities have been curtailed, adding that residents of the troubled states had commenced commercial activities in their respective states.
“It is heart-warming to note that our activities in Operation Hadin Kai in the North East have effectively curtailed Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the region. Overall, our efforts have resulted in the large-scale surrender of members of the terrorist groups and the submission of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“The good people of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States are steadily picking up their livelihood as the military, in collaboration with the government, is helping to restore governance to the hitherto deprived areas,” the COAS said.
He added that the Nigerian Army has established some special forces units to tackle insecurity across the country.
“In a bid to further enhance our operational effects, the Nigerian Army has established some special forces units using specially trained personnel to tackle various criminalities across the country.
“The special forces units have continued to record impressive performances through intelligence-led operations and the use of special equipment. As we continue to procure and induct more sophisticated platforms and equipment into the various theatres as force multipliers, I charge field commanders to ensure the maintenance of these platforms and equipment to prolong their life span and enable the nation to optimise its investment.
“To this end, troops’ welfare and that of their families will remain predominant in all our efforts. I intend to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of our troops and their families, as this will keep them focused on their tasks.
“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high-quality post-service homes for our soldiers,” Lagbaja said.