“Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has expressed his commitment to putting an end to the current wave of insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry, that has been affecting the South-East region, particularly Isiukwuato and Umunnochi local government areas of Abia State.
He assured that all security agencies are actively collaborating to address these security challenges.
Represented by Brigadier General Gabriel Olufemi Esho, the Deputy Director of Operations at Army Headquarters, Lagbaja conveyed this assurance during a meeting with the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc committee investigating the incidents of killing and kidnapping in Umunochi Community, Abia state.
Lagbaja emphasized that the threat of kidnapping remains a significant security concern, particularly in the mentioned local government areas.
He pointed out that there have been recorded instances of kidnapping and attacks, especially in July of this year, with suspected criminals linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Regarding security efforts, Lagbaja acknowledged the collaboration between the Nigerian Police and other security agencies with the Army. However, he noted that due to specific challenges, a substantial portion of the security responsibility falls on the Nigerian Army.
He highlighted the request from the House of Representatives, dated August 3, 2023, which urged the Nigerian Army to submit a memorandum to the ad-hoc committee. This memorandum would facilitate interactions with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to address the recurring incidents of kidnapping, assassinations, banditry, and other criminal activities within and around these two local government areas. The increasing cases of kidnapping in the Southeast region, especially in the second quarter of this year, underscore the urgency of the situation.
“Recently efforts of the Nigerian army through it’s Division in conjunction with other security agencies has diminished the treat of kidnapping,” he said.
He promised that all effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to book and restore peace back to the region.
