The Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Imo State, Brig. Gen. Usman Lawal has stated that one of the greatest successes recorded by the command is dismantling the Biafran Supreme Headquarters in Imo State.

Describing it as a major operation conducted in February this year, Lawal said the operation involved the entry of troops into the ?Mother Valley? and the destruction of the entire structure.

The Brigade Commander made this statement on Saturday during the end-of-year 2024 Combined Nigerian Army Social Activity (NASA) for the 34 Artillery Brigade/342 Artillery Regiment, WASA 2024, held at the Parade Ground, Obinze Barracks, Imo State.

Lawal disclosed that during the operation, which took the troops to Eke Ututu, Njaba, Mbaitoli, Oru East and West council areas, as well as the Niger Delta areas of Ohaji, many criminal elements were neutralized, and a significant quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered.

He said, ?I am proud to say that our country is now exporting barrels of crude oil per day, with a huge chunk coming from Imo State.?

The Brigade Commander described 2024 as an eventful and highly successful year for the Brigade, recalling that the war against secessionist groups and anti-bunkering operations progressed steadily and effectively in the Southeast region.

He noted that the activities of the Brigade have significantly reduced crimes in the state, particularly kidnapping, cultism, political assassinations, and armed robbery.

He said: ?This has been achieved mostly through deterrence, force projection in a timely manner, and the neutralization of criminal elements.?

The Brigade Commander described WASA as a socio-cultural event celebrated annually in all military formations, adding that it provides an opportunity for officers and soldiers across all ranks, along with their families and civilian friends, to socialize and mix freely through social activities away from the routine regimented life.

He explained that the event marks the conclusion of the previous year?s training and operational activities while ushering in activities for the new year.

In his speech, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe, commended the professional conduct of the officers and soldiers of the command in ensuring peace during the last elections held in the state.

The Governor also appreciated the cooperation between the military and other security agencies in the state, highlighting the reduction in crime despite the challenges faced by the command.

Uzodimma used the occasion to advise them to redouble their efforts in 2025 while appreciating the colorful activities displayed to mark the end of the year 2024 WASA.

Other activities witnessed during the event included the inspection of local and traditional delicacies, a tug-of-war, and the presentation of awards to outstanding soldiers.

Dignitaries present included Senator Osita Izunaso representing Orlu Zone; Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Okigwe North; Alhaji Awal Baba Sulaiman-Sarkin Hausa, Imo State; Mr. Charles Amadi, Comptroller of Immigration, Imo State; and the GOC 82 Division, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, represented by Brig. Gen. Yenus Olayinka Zubairo, among others. (Sunday Tribune)

Update news