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The head of the South East Development Peace Initiative (SPDI), Hon Vitus Okechi, praises the military’s recent successes in tackling terrorism and insurgency.
Speaking to reporters in Enugu on Wednesday, Okechi praised the military’s endeavors, expressing optimism that victory in the struggle is imminent.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, emphasizing that the army chief has demonstrated unwavering commitment, determination, and dedication to eradicate terrorists throughout the nation.
Okechi, previously a Commissioner and Local Government Chairman in Enugu State, recounted how Nigerian Army troops, in distinct operations, recently eliminated at least 11 terrorists in Zamfara and Katsina states.
‘In Zamfara, the hideout of a terrorists’ leader, Hassan Yantagwaye, in Tsafe Local Government Area, was raided which resulted in a gun battle with two of his men killed in the operation.
‘In Katsina State, the gallant troops on 30 March, 2024 engaged in a fierce gun battle with terrorists in Shawu Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and Citakushi in Kabai I and Kabai II within Faskari Local Government Area.
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‘The troops neutralised eight terrorists and recovered three locally-fabricated guns, military uniforms, and a large number of stolen grains,’ he noted.
Okechi further recalled how the most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe surrendered to the troops.
‘Mallam Yathabalwe had been terrorising Gwoza and the surrounding Mandara Mountain communities.
‘He was said to be responsible for series of attacks and killings, including the slaughtering of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and environs,’ he said.
He added that, ‘the most intriguing is the successful raid of Orlu and environs by the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA which resulted in the dismantlement of a notorious camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.
‘The raid, which was conducted on Thursday and Friday, led to the recovery of three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bomb, a motorcycle, seven Baofeng radios, local ornaments, foreign ATM card, two SIM cards, two voter’s cards, plate numbers of stolen vehicles, and a toolbox.
Okechi expressed appreciation for Lagbaja’s confirmation, stressing that during his leadership, the Nigerian Army has consistently achieved significant victories in numerous operations, both at home and overseas.
The Eastern Updates recalls that the Army Chief recently reiterated his commitment to ensuring the eradication of terrorists, bandits, and other security threats, affirming the resolve of service personnel.
In his Easter message on Sunday, Lagbaja noted that ‘the Nigerian Army remains committed, determined, and focused on ensuring the total defeat of insurgents, marauding bandits, and all other forms of external and internal aggressions disturbing the peace of the country.’
