By Tony Adibe
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo has called for closer security cooperation among states in the South-East.
Fadairo made the call while undertaking his maiden operational tours of 13 and 14 Brigades of the Nigerian Army; other units and schools within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR). This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Saturday in Enugu.
The GOC visit featured operational briefings, commissioning of projects, and addresses to officers and soldiers, underscoring his unwavering commitment to professionalism, operational excellence, and troops’ welfare. Fadairo, while addressing Governor Alex Otti and heads of security agencies at the Abia State Government House, emphasised the importance of synergy among security agencies in the South-East.
The Division’s boss advocated for a joint security summit involving state governors and heads of security agencies across the region. He said that this would boost the synergy of purpose in tackling security challenges in the region. The GOC assured the governor of renewed strategies aimed at consolidating past security successes and rejuvenating ongoing operations.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for his consistent support of the Division and other security agencies. In 13 Brigade AOR, the GOC, while commending the Brigade’s operational effectiveness, noted that the brigade’s performance reflects the Nigerian Army’s renewed drive for professionalism and joint-force readiness. He urged the troops to keep up the tempo.
The GOC also commissioned projects executed under the Brigade Commander’s, Brig.-Gen. M.O. Ibrahim’s leadership. “These included the newly completed Gen. Olufemi Oluyede Hall, a modern multi-purpose facility for lectures and conferences, and two units of Soldiers’ Transit Accommodation quarters,” he said.
The GOC, during the commissioning, lauded Ibrahim’s developmental initiatives in the brigade, describing the projects as clear evidence of his commitment to troops’ welfare. He urged officers to emulate such a forward-thinking leadership style in the brigade.
At 14 Brigade AOR, Fadairo charged officers and soldiers to remain patriotic and resolute in stamping out residual criminal activities in the region. He emphasised the need to respect and protect law-abiding citizens while working in synergy with personnel of other security agencies.
The GOC also conveyed the appreciation and commendation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to the Commander 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. H.M. Bello, and other commanders and troops within 82 Division AOR.
He praised their gallantry and achievements in degrading criminal elements in the South-East. Fadairo reassured the troops of the COAS’s commitment to prioritising their welfare both during service and after retirement. He further charged them to remain loyal to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, and to continue giving their best for the nation.
