The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, has announced the end of the sit-at-home order in the South-Eastern part of the country.
The army chief made the announcement during the COAS combined second and third-quarter conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, September 12.
He highlighted the success of Operation Udoka in collaboration with other stakeholders, which effectively ended the disruptive sit-at-home order in the Southeast region, allowing law-abiding citizens to resume their daily activities without hindrance.
Lagbaja added that the joint efforts with various government agencies have thwarted attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South-West region.
He said, “We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South East Region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.
“Through Operation Udoka, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit-at-home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the Region.
“Law-abiding citizens of the region now go about their businesses and everyday life. Similarly, our joint efforts with various government agencies have quelled attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South West region.”
Regarding the fight against insurgency, General Lagbaja noted that the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups have been significantly reduced.
He revealed that the Nigerian Army has also established Special Forces units to address security challenges across the nation.
General Lagbaja further emphasized the importance of troops’ welfare and their families, stating that it will remain a top priority.
He revealed that the army intends to enhance existing welfare arrangements to ensure the well-being of soldiers and their families, thus enabling them to remain focused on their duties.
“To this end, troops’ welfare and that of their families will remain predominant in all our efforts. I intend to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of our troops and their families as this will keep them focused on their tasks.
“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high-quality post-service homes for our soldiers,” Lagbaja said.