IPOB: COAS storms Imo, gives fresh directives to troops

The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Farouk Yahaya has paid an on-the-spot visit to Imo to assess the security situation in the state.

Yahaya visited Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday and met with troops of 34 Brigade in Obinze Barracks.

During the visit, the Army chief called on the soldiers to be decisive in dealing with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and all other groups responsible for disturbing the peace of the state.

While praising the troops for their commitment to duty, he also charged them to be professional and loyal in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Yahaya praised “the resilience of troops of 34 Brigade and operatives of other security agencies in turning the tide of the recent spate of insecurity that resulted from the criminal activities of the proscribed group, IPOB, in Imo State.”

“Gen Yahaya made the commendation today at Obinze Barracks, Owerri, Imo State, while addressing the troops during his maiden operational visit to Headquarters 34 Brigade.

“He told the troops that his visit was informed by the need to have an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the state. The COAS expressed delight on the successes so far recorded by the troops and urged them to redouble their effort in order to consolidate on their successes.

“Gen Yahaya further charged them to be loyal and exhibit high sense of duty at all times. He pointed out, that more successes would be recorded through compliance to instructions and loyalty to superior authority.

“The COAS also called on the officers to always lead by example and ensure that troops are adequately briefed and kept abreast of the mission at hand.

“In a show of synergy, the COAS also paid a visit to troops of 211 Response Group, Nigerian Air Force, Owerri, where he implored the troops to be professional and alert at all times. He appreciated them for their spirit of jointness and synergy towards tackling insecurity in the state.

“Highlight of the working tour was COAS’ visit to the proposed Military Hospital Owerri and a tour of Obinze Barracks.”

Meanwhile, controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has declared that criminal herdsmen are better than members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In his explanation of his position, Gumi submitted that the herdsmen commit crimes that are not as weighty as those committed by IPOB members.

Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise TV, Sheikh Gumi declared that IPOB kills security operatives expected to protect Nigerians but the herdsmen only kidnap children to make money through ransom.

He, therefore, submitted that it is unfair to compare the two groups.