How we have remained tenacious in thwarting sit-at-home orders in South-East – Taiwo Dada
The Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) for the South-East and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, has revealed the sustained efforts of Operation Udoka in countering the sit-at-home orders imposed by IPOB/ESN to ensure economic activities thrive in the region.
Addressing Defence Correspondents during a 4th quarter assessment visit to the theatre on Tuesday, Major General Dada highlighted the optimization of operations against the terrorist group, leading to significant breakthroughs in the South-East.
He outlined key operations under Operation Udoka, including Operation Channel Sweep, Operation River Shield, Operation Dragon Spit, and the ongoing Operation Arid Strike.
Major General Dada noted that IPOB’s activities, including its emphasis on the “Republic of Biafra in Exile” (BRGIE), have continued to instigate violence. Other threats include illegal oil bunkering, ammunition trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, assassination, cultism, and communal clashes.
The JTF combines kinetic operations with non-kinetic efforts aimed at winning the hearts and minds of host communities while enhancing intelligence gathering. These non-kinetic initiatives include medical outreaches, humanitarian support, educational programs, and collaborations with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The medical outreach programs have provided free healthcare services, including obstetric consultations, dental care, eye checks, laboratory tests, and distribution of mosquito nets, wheelchairs, and other medical items to communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States.
Operation Udoka has effectively countered IPOB/ESN narratives through cyber warfare. By disseminating propaganda content, including videos, images, and messages, the JTF has debunked false narratives and promoted positive public perception of its operations.
Educational materials have been distributed to schools in Igbo Eze North LGA, Enugu State, and markets closed due to IPOB activities, such as the Onuimo Market, have been reopened. Palliatives, including food items, were also distributed to communities in Anambra and Ebonyi States to alleviate economic hardship.
Support has also extended to the widows of fallen heroes, with relief materials and financial aid distributed to 38 widows.
While the potency of IPOB/ESN has been significantly degraded, the group remains resilient, launching opportunistic attacks on military and police personnel to replenish its arsenal. General Dada noted that 21 rifles were lost to these attackers during the review period.
The group’s activities, initially concentrated in Anambra and Imo States, are gradually shifting to Ebonyi State. The proscribed group continues to engage in sit-at-home enforcement, kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalism.
Major General Dada reaffirmed the commitment of the JTF to addressing security challenges in the South-East through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. He emphasized the need for sustained operations to combat the evolving threats posed by IPOB/ESN and other criminal elements in the region.
