Olusegun Ariyo
South East Development Peace Initiative (SPDI) has urged the Nigerian Army not to relent in its current offensive against terrorists.
It spoke amid the recent breakthrough by the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism in the North West.
In a statement made available to newsmen the leader of the group, Hon Vitus Okechi, a former commissioner in Enugu State, said the efforts of the military were yielding positive results.
troops of Operation Hadarin Daji last week successfully neutralised a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu.
Sububu had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria.
Beyond Sububu, the troops also killed another terrorist, Sani Wala Burki in a joint operation in Katsina, and busted a terrorists’ enclave in Kaduna, where 13 abducted students were freed.
Recall that the President Bola Tinubu had directed the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored.
Hon Okechi, who is also a former local government chairman in Enugu State, particularly praised the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whom he noted has brought enough motivation to the troops.
“The result is what we are witnessing today.
“His appointment as Chief of Army Staff is turning out positively in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in some parts of the country.
“South East Development Initiatives wishes to identify with the Chief of Army Staff in these great exploits and we urge him not to relent in this daunting mission.
“We are also grateful to President Bola Tinubu for making such remarkable appointment. The confidence in that choice is hugely justified,” he stated.
In a recent response to the achievements of the troops in the North West, President Tinubu had pledged continuous support to the military, saying the success of the operation gives further assurance that Nigeria’s security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation.
“I commend the Military High Command, the intelligence agencies, and the troops for their valiant efforts, synergy and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes,
“I also commend the entire security apparatus for the improved security in the nation and enjoins them to sustain their efforts until immediate and latent threats are permanently removed,” the President stated.
He reassured the security agencies of his continued support towards achieving the objective of keeping the nation safe and secure.
