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 the dismantling of 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 in the South-East
region, the war against secessionist groups and anti-bunkering operations
progressed steadily and effectively.
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.
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