Chief of Army Staff Urges Troops in Southeast to Uphold Professionalism and Human Rights During Eid Luncheon UMUNNEOCHI, NIGERIA
Chief of Army Staff Urges Troops in Southeast to Uphold Professionalism and Human Rights During Eid Luncheon
UMUNNEOCHI, NIGERIA
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Y.D. Shaibu, has called on troops deployed under the Joint Task Force, Operation Udo Ka (JTF OPUK), to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. The army chief emphasized that remaining vigilant, focused, and united in purpose is vital to sustaining recent security gains.
Lieutenant General Shaibu delivered the charge on Wednesday during the COAS Eid-el-Kabir Luncheon organized for the troops at Isuochi in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. He noted that the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir serves as a reminder of the virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and selfless service, which resonate deeply with the military profession.
The COAS, who was represented at the event by the Commander of the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Major General A.A. Adoreti, commended the personnel of the 82 Division for their tireless efforts in stabilizing the Southeast region through Operation Udo Ka. He attributed the gradual restoration of normalcy across the zone to the troops’ unwavering commitment, dedication, and operational successes.
Expressing deep gratitude to the officers and soldiers for their sacrifices and outstanding field performance, the Army Chief reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of personnel.
He assured the gathering that several welfare initiatives are being implemented to improve the living standards of troops and their families.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander of JTF OPUK, Major General O.A. Fadairo, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Id Al Kabir. He noted that the occasion symbolized sacrifice, obedience to the will of Allah, and compassion for one another.
Major General Fadairo revealed that troops of the 82 Division had launched a series of decisive strikes against the enclaves of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other criminal networks. The offensive, code-named “Operation Eastern Sanity 2,” is being executed in synergy with other security agencies and has yielded commendable successes across the theater of operations.
Also speaking at the luncheon, the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Council, Hon. Sunny Afuruobi, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army. He stated that the proactive stance of the 82 Division has restored peace to the area, enabling residents to go about their daily socioeconomic activities without fear of intimidation or attack.
In his vote of thanks, the Commanding Officer of the 140 Ranger Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel M. Magaji, thanked the COAS for the festive luncheon. He stated that the gesture has significantly boosted the fighting spirit of the troops, serves as a reminder that their sacrifices are deeply valued by the military leadership, and has reinforced their commitment to national defense.
The event concluded with high-level military interactions and the presentation of official souvenirs to the COAS by the GOC 82 Division, Major General O.A. Fadairo, and the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Brigadier General A.M. Dikko.
