The Nigerian Army is determined to quell the escalating insecurity in the South-East geopolitical zone, encompassing kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, asserted this commitment during a meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the killing and abduction incidents in Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas of Abia State….CONTINUE READING
Lagbaja, represented by Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Esho, Deputy Director of Operations at Army Headquarters, assured the public that comprehensive efforts were underway to address the security challenges prevailing in the region.
The Army Chief acknowledged the severity of kidnapping, particularly in the areas under scrutiny, highlighting that the region had experienced cases of kidnapping and assaults attributed to suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), especially in the past month.
He stated, “In response to a request by the House of Representatives, the Nigerian Army provided a memorandum to the ad-hoc committee for engagement with relevant security agencies and stakeholders concerning the recurring incidents of kidnappings, assassinations, banditry, and other criminal activities within and around these two local government areas.”
He continued, “It is crucial to note the upsurge in kidnapping incidents in the South-East region, especially in the second quarter of this year. Recent efforts by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies have considerably reduced the menace of kidnappings.”
Meanwhile, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, expressed concerns about the lack of community cooperation hindering efforts to tackle insecurity in the South-East.
Philip Ayuba, Assistant Commandant General of NSCDC, who represented the Commandant General, emphasized the proliferation of small arms in the region, contributing to heightened insecurity.
Ayuba remarked, “Our synergy with other security agencies has enabled us to observe a significant proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
We have observed that almost everyone in that region possesses a weapon. There is a notable inclination of many communities to acquire locally-made arms. Unfortunately, the community often withholds cooperation when we seek information.”
In his opening address, Hon. Obinna Aguochi, the Chairman of the committee, highlighted the pervasive criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal clashes, and threats to life, that have disrupted the very fabric of societies.
Aguochi emphasized the collective responsibility to find sustainable solutions and restore safety, harmony, and progress to the affected communities.
He underscored the necessity of a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement agencies, community leaders, policymakers, scholars, and citizens to address the complex issue of insecurity.
He concluded, “Our presence here today underscores our commitment to tackling this crisis. The multifaceted nature of insecurity demands a united effort that incorporates various perspectives.
This committee hearing serves as a platform to harness these diverse viewpoints and translate them into effective strategies.
Addressing security challenges requires a holistic approach encompassing law enforcement, community engagement, socio-economic development, and proactive government engagement. We must be prepared to address the root causes of these challenges collaboratively to ensure enduring solutions.”
