The Nigerian Army has vowed to put an end to the insecurity, ranging from kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in South-East geopolitical zone very soon, stressing that no stone will be unturned until perpetrators are brought to book and peace is restored.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja made this promise at a meeting with the House of Representative Ad-Hoc Committee, investigating the killing and kidnapping in Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas in Abia state.
Lagbaja, represented by the Deputy Director Operations Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Esho, assured the people that all security agencies were working round the clock to address the insecurity in the region.
The Army Boss said, kidnapping remains a serious security threat especially in the area being investigated, adding that the region recorded cases of kidnapping and attacks by criminals suspected to be elements of the proscribed people of Biafra (IPOB), particularly last month.
He said: ”The House of Representatives requested that the Nigerian Army submit a memorandum to the ad-hoc committee to interface with relevant security agencies and stakeholders in respect of incessant attacks of kidnappers, assassination and banditry and other criminal elements in and around these two local government areas.
“It is pertinent to state the incidence of kidnapping in Southeast region, particularly in the second quarter of this year. Recently efforts of the Nigerian army through it’s Division in conjunction with other security agencies has diminished the threat of kidnappings.”
On his part, the Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD), Abubakar Audi lamented the lack of co-operation from members of the community which made tackling insecurity in South-East challenging.
Represented by the Assistant Commandant General, NSCDC, Philip Ayuba, the Commandant General of NSCDC said there was proliferation of small arms in the region which heightened insecurity therein.
“I want to state that we are out in synergy with other security agencies and have been able to look around and found out that there is a very good number off the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“We found that in that environment almost everybody has a weapon. There is the willful disposition of many communities to purchase locally made arms. There is lack of this cooperation by the community when we are trying to get information from them,” he said.
In this opening remark, the Chairman of the committee, Hon Obinna Aguochi said instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal clashes, and threats to life have shaken the very foundation of the societies.
Aguochi said as leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent on them to come together, transcending differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.
He said: “We gather here today not just as representatives of various organisations and institutions, but as concerned citizens united by a common goal to interface with the relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in and Around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas of Abia State, the restoration of safety, harmony, and progress in those cherished communities.
“Our commitment to addressing this crisis is evident in our presence here today. We recognize that insecurity cannot be combated by one entity alone; it requires a collective, multi-faceted approach that encompasses the perspectives and expertise of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, policymakers, scholars, and citizens.
“This Committee hearing provides us with the opportunity to harness these diverse perspectives and channel them into a coherent, action oriented strategy. As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, it is crucial to acknowledge that no single solution can provide a quick fix.
“It requires a holistic approach that encompasses law enforcement, community engagement, socio-economic development, and effective engagement from goverments. We must be prepared to tackle the issues at their core and work collaboratively to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.
“The complex interplay or interest and non state actors within this region is compounded by the presence of armed entities such as the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), alongside Private Security Organizations like the Royal Switch Services (RSS) and others within the gap.”