Army’s ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ Battles Insecurity In Anambra
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Nigerian Army says its resolve to curb existing security threats in Anambra State will not be compromised, assuring that restoring peace in the State remains topmost on the agenda.
Consequently, the Army said launching the ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ in the South-East state will help combat insecurity and give residents a peaceful and secured environment to go about their daily business.
Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Colonel Abdulkarim Usman, said rising insecurity across the country has made it imperative for the Nigerian Army to be in cohort with the civil authority in a joint environment.
Speaking at the flag-off of ‘Exercise Golden Dawn’ at Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area, Colonel Usman said the operation will not only foster inter-agency cooperation but also become a routine training exercise in various geopolitical zones of the country.
He said the exercise, holding from October 4 to December 23, will aid the command and staff in combat arms and services in planning and conduct of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), to confront security challenges within their area of responsibility in conjunction with other security agencies.
The Army officer said the Nigerian military, in conjunction with other security agencies, will utilise this golden opportunity to curb existing security threats in Anambra State, noting that; “The threats range from secessionist agitations by the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB); and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Others are banditry, kidnapping, cultist activities, land disputes clashes, communal clashes, chieftaincy issues clashes, assassinations and youths restiveness. To curb these countless security challenges, a robust posture in what the unit has always maintained.”
He lauded the troops and other security agencies for their tremendous efforts in keeping Anambra safe and secure but admitted that a lot still needs to be done in combating the highlighted security threats in the state.
Hinting that the Regiment, under the leadership of Major General T. A. Lagbaja, is currently undergoing unprecedented changes, Col Usman said the Regiment and indeed 82 Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) transformational drive.
“Remarkable improvements have been recorded, particularly in the refurbishment of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, procurement of new platforms, upgrading of training facilities, and construction of new accommodation for officers and soldiers among others.
“These transformational efforts have greatly enhanced the welfare and operational capabilities of the troops. It is, therefore, my fervent hope that the exercise will record successes”,
