Troops Must Redouble Efforts Against IPOB Members - Army Chief

 The Chief of the Army Staff, Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya, on Wednesday visited Owerri, Imo State, saying he came for an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation of the state. 

Yahaya, who met with troops of 34 Brigade in Obinze Barracks, Owerri, urged them to be dogged and decisive against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he said, was disturbing the peace of the state. 

According to a release by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the army chief lauded "the resilience of troops of 34 Brigade and operatives of other security agencies in turning the tide of the recent spate of insecurity that resulted from the criminal activities of the proscribed group, IPOB, in Imo State." 

He said, "Gen Yahaya made the commendation today at Obinze Barracks, Owerri, Imo State, while addressing the troops during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 34 Brigade.

"He told the troops that his visit was informed by the need to have an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the state. The COAS expressed delight on the successes so far recorded by the troops and urged them to redouble their effort in order to consolidate on their successes.

"Gen Yahaya further charged them to be loyal and exhibit high sense of duty at all times. He pointed out, that more successes would be recorded through compliance to instructions and loyalty to superior authority.

"The COAS also called on the officers to always lead by example and ensure that troops are adequately briefed and kept abreast of the mission at hand.

"In a show of synergy, the COAS also paid a visit to troops of 211 Response Group, Nigerian Air Force, Owerri, where he implored the troops to be professional and alert at all times. He appreciated them for their spirit of jointness and synergy towards tackling insecurity in the state.

"Highlight of the working tour was COAS' visit to the proposed Military Hospital Owerri and a tour of Obinze Barracks."