ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Army has shed more light on why it embarked on the special operation tagged “Golden Dawn ll” exercise in the South-East.
The clarification is coming three weeks after the commencement of the exercise in the south eastern part of the country.
He explained that the objective of the operation was to help improve security in the state ahead of the yuletide.
Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brig. Gen. A.M Adetuyi, provided the insight during the formal flag-off of the exercise on Friday at Amekpu Ohafia.
According to him, the exercise is not intended to create panic among law-abiding citizens but to help stem the tide of criminality.
Gen. Adetuyi also noted that the exercise was to help prepare soldiers and other security agencies participating in the exercise, for the forthcoming general election.
He further stated that the operation is one of the military exercises initiated by the Army Headquarters across the country “at this period of the year.”
He said: “It is tailored towards enhancing the security of law abiding citizens in Abia State during the yuletide season and electioneering period in preparation for 2023 general election.
“It should be well noted that the exercise is not targeted at hunting innocent persons within the Brigade area of responsibility, but to protect them.
“As you may begin to witness increased presence of troops on patrols across the State, please bear in mind that the Nigerian Army is only out to ensure a secured environment for the yuletide celebrations and peaceful electioneering activities, in preparation for 2023 general election.
“It will be conducted in collaboration with other security agencies who would be performing their statutory roles, as we could all witness their maximum representation here today.
“Accordingly, the exercise is designed to promote conducive environment for businesses and other socio-economic activities for which Abia State is known for.”
The Brigade Commander stressed further that the exercise would also be conducted with complementary activities including free medical outreach geared towards promoting civil-military cooperation.
“It is aimed at fostering the much needed cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the good people of Abia State.
“Other activities earmarked in this regard include educational support to schools in the State, which further underscores the importance the Nigerian Army places on engendering cordiality with the host communities,” he added.
Gen. Adetuyi re-assured residents and visitors to the state of their safety and security during the conduct of exercise expected to end on 23 December.
He solicited the support and cooperation of residents for the success of the exercise.
Flagging off the exercise which involved police and Nigeria Civil Defense Corp, NCDC, personnel, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, appreciated the military and other security agencies for their cooperation and unrelenting efforts in tackling security challenges in the state.
Ikpeazu who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed optimism that the exercise would “add more impetus by the military and other security agencies to further reduce crimes and criminality in the entire state during the Yuletide season and electioneering period leading to 2023 general elections.”
The Governor said: “We have of recent, observed how our economic activities are gradually being eroded by activities of some criminal elements who hide under various names to intimidate, maim and kill people unjustly.
“Some engaged themselves in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and all sorts of violent criminality. I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are capable of dealing with these criminal elements amongst us during the period of this Exercise GOLDEN DAWN II.”
Ikpeazu, however, urged all the participating officers and men to observe “laid-down rules of engagement and code of conduct, to avoid any action that may infringe on the rights of the citizens and the hosting communities.”