The Nigerian Army has flagged off a military operation codenamed Operation Golden Dawn to tackle the security challenges in Abia State.
Speaking during the kick-off of the exercise, the Commander of 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General Moses Adetuyi, said the Army launched the operation to foster a peaceful atmosphere during the yuletide season as well as during electioneering, across all localities in the state.
According to him, the exercise is to ensure that criminality is reduced to the barest minimum in collaboration with other security agencies.
“The exercise is geared towards training the troops on the security of innocent and law-abiding citizens in the state, especially during the Yuletide season,” he said.
“It is also aimed at testing the conduct of troops during the electioneering activities in preparation for the 2023 general elections.
“It is designed to promote a conducive environment for business and other socio-economic activities for the good people of Abia State during the festive season.
“Additionally, it would feature a number of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to demonstrate the friendliness of the Nigerian Army in the host communities across Abia State, some of which include medical outreaches and educational support programmes to schools.”
He also asked residents of the state as well as the public to support and cooperate with troops in ridding the state of criminal elements.
On his part, the Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu charged the army to improve the maintenance of peace and security and always abide by the rule of conduct.
