Imo State government and the 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, have mapped out strategies to eradicate banditry and all forms of criminality in the South East geo-political zone and Nigeria, at large.

The deal was sealed at the weekend, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, Major Gen. Umar T. Musa, visited Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Uzodimma who lamented that the “South East is under siege, and facing severe attacks arising from the activities of ESN, bandits, armed robbers, and criminals,” added that “all efforts being made to stamp them out have been futile as they are adamant in the destruction of government property; killing innocent citizens; burning down police stations and generally retarding development in the zone.

“We will continue to encourage the Armed Forces to help the government to bring peace and ensure security in the South East. So, see me, the governor; the Imo State government and you, as partners,” the governor said.

The governor commended the Commanding Officer of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig. Gen. S. Sulaiman, saying that he has “done a lot of job with his men in the fight against banditry and criminality, even as some of them have paid the supreme price in the course of duty.”

He urged the soldiers to “study the topography of the area, introduce new techniques and do more in the protection of the citizens of the South East, especially as Christmas draws nigh so that our people will enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest.”

Musa, in his remarks, said: “I came to pay a courtesy call as tradition demands and to inform the governor that I have fully assumed duties as the new GOC in the South East so that the citizens will be allowed to go about their businesses without molestations and harassment.

“I have tried to curtail the activities of the irredentist to ensure that they are no more a threat to law-abiding citizens of the zone who are loyal to the rules, regulations, and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” (The Guardian)

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