As part of measures to improve security during the year 2023 yuletide, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has flagged off ‘Operation Golden Dawn Three, an initiative of the Nigerian Army, in the state.
The governor performed the flag-off in a ceremony at the Joint Task Headquarters quarters, Obinze in Owerri.
Uzodimma, represented by his Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, said the operation was aimed at checkmating a possible rise in criminal activities during the yuletide with an increased focus on the security of lives and property.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the entire Nigerian Army for their tireless efforts leading to the drastic reduction of criminality in the state and expressed hope for the success of the exercise.
He also thanked the Imo people for their collective efforts to build and maintain peace in the state and urged them to keep up the spirit.
In his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada harped on the need for effective collaboration with sister security agencies as well as civil-military cooperation for the success of the operation.
The GOC stressed that the exercise will be conducted in all of the division’s Areas of Responsibility covering the five states of the southeast from Dec 2, 2023, to Jan. 5, 2024.
This, he said, will agree with the COAS’ philosophy “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment”.
He mentioned objectives of the operation to include exposing commanders to information warfare, testing the knowledge of officers on joint operations and leveraging on the exercise to curtail prevailing security challenges within the southeast such as kidnapping and threats by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra among others.
According to him, the exercise will build on the gains of ‘Exercise Golden Dawn Two and ‘Operation Udo Ka’ to ensure optimal security in the southeast.
“Exercise Golden Dawn three is designed to curb insecurity within the southeast region and assist to restore confidence in the heart of the good people of the southeast thereby creating an enabling environment for them to pursue their legitimate businesses.
“Some of the operational activities will include but are not limited to the raid and assault of IPOB/ESN camps, the conduct of patrols, ambushes, roadblocks, checkpoints and show of force.
“Others are medical and educational outreaches as well as environmental sanitation among others,“ he said.
He thanked the COAS for his contributions to the successful flag-off and the governor for his continued support for the division while expressing confidence that the operation will record the desired success.
