The Nigerian Army will on Friday begin exercise ‘Atilogwu Udo’ in Enugu State. Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai has solicited the support of stakeholders for the success of the military operation geared towards tackling security challenges in the South East, especially during the festive period.
This was announced during a 2-day civil/media/ military relations summit for the southeast zone on the theme: ‘Galvanizing citizens’ support for military operations in Nigeria through the media’, in Enugu, yesterday. Lt. Gen Buratai who was represented by the director, Nigerian Army Training and Operation, Maj. Gen. EO Udo, said that the commencement of the operation was carefully chosen to coincide with the Yuletide season where there is usually an upsurge in criminal activities in the country.
He further assured the populace of the resolve of the military through their support to ensure that this year’s festivities were peaceful across the South East. According to him:
“The perpetuation of crimes during the Yuletide season, therefore, offers the opportunity for exercise troops to deal with the perpetrators of the acts of criminality in real-time.
“The exercise also offers the opportunity for the military to get closer to the civilian populace through the conduct of medical outreaches, educational outreaches, sanitation exercises, and road construction. This is done with a view to winning their hearts and minds and their support for our operations,
” he said.
Speaking during the event, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Simon Ortuanya , urged the media to ensure accurate, positive and objective reportage of the military exercise while it lasts. Ortuanya expressed confidence that the summit will create a better platform for better understanding and synergy between civilians, the media and the army towards the attainment of the objectives of the military exercise.
