The Federal Government has once again reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu‘s unwavering commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the South-East region of Nigeria. This reiteration comes at a time when the government continues to prioritize security as one of its key responsibilities in its effort to foster national growth and peace across all regions.
In a recent statement, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, emphasized that securing the South-East is crucial not only for the safety and well-being of the region’s people but also for the economic prosperity of the area. According to Badaru, ensuring peace in the region is essential for creating an enabling environment for business growth, as security directly impacts the stability of local enterprises and trade.
Badaru made these remarks during his operational visit to Enugu on Friday, where he addressed officers and personnel from the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation, also known as ‘Udo Ka,’ under the leadership of Major-General Hassan Dada. During the visit, the Minister praised the efforts of the personnel and encouraged them to continue strengthening their fight against insecurity. Badaru called for an intensification of the region’s ongoing security operations to ensure lasting peace.
In addition to his engagement with the military personnel, Badaru held discussions with a variety of key stakeholders during his visit. These included leaders from security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and students. Through these discussions, the Minister aimed to create collaborative strategies for solving the security problems that have plagued the region in recent years. He acknowledged the importance of gathering local insights to devise effective solutions and invited participants to provide candid suggestions for improving security on the ground.
“President Tinubu has directed me to engage with you all to find sustainable solutions to insecurity. Without security, there can be no peace or development,” Badaru stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring peace to the region and the nation as a whole. He further commended the entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East’s population, acknowledging that the region’s economic vitality can only be fully realized in a safe and stable environment.
The Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the progress made by the Tinubu administration in combating insecurity over the past year. He pointed to the administration’s renewed commitment to intensifying efforts to tackle all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership. According to Badaru, these efforts have already begun to yield positive results across various parts of Nigeria, including the South-East.
“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” Badaru asserted, adding that the Ministry of Defence remains fully committed to creating a secure environment that promotes both business and community development in the South-East. “We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria,” he affirmed, reinforcing the government’s resolve to create a safer and more prosperous nation.
Major-General Hassan Dada also provided an update on the military’s strategy to ensure the region remains secure, particularly in preparation for the upcoming festive season. Dada announced that the Army, through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA,’ is implementing robust security measures designed to create a secure atmosphere for the region’s population, especially in the lead-up to the Christmas period. This operation aims to facilitate the usual mass return of people to the South-East during the festive season, ensuring that they can celebrate in safety and peace.
The concerted efforts of the government and the military in securing the South-East region underscore the administration’s focus on achieving long-term peace and stability. With these actions, the Federal Government hopes to foster an environment where business, community, and personal development can flourish.
