The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustained operations against separatist groups and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in the South East.
Fadairo made the declaration while receiving participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 during their operational theatre visit to Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu.
The visit, which began on September 3 and ended on September 6, 2026, formed part of the participants’ practical exposure to ongoing military operations and security challenges in the region.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the GOC said the security situation within the Division’s Area of Responsibility remained relatively stable and firmly under control.
He attributed the progress to sustained intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and targeted clearance missions by troops, which he said had degraded the operational capabilities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal groups.
Fadairo said the operations had dismantled criminal hideouts and disrupted the activities of the groups, significantly restricting their freedom of action across the South East.
While acknowledging the successes recorded in stabilising the region, the GOC stressed the need for continuous operational assessment, intelligence exploitation and adaptive security strategies to completely eliminate residual threats.
He charged the War College participants to apply the knowledge and operational insights gained during the study tour in developing innovative and sustainable strategies to address contemporary security challenges confronting Nigeria.
The Army commander further urged security forces to remain proactive and intelligence-led, while maintaining a firm focus on protecting lives and property and denying criminal elements opportunities to establish operational footholds.
He disclosed that preparations were underway for intensified dry-season operations under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, with the objective of sustaining operational pressure and preventing the resurgence of criminal networks in the region.
Fadairo reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to employ lawful and decisive measures against elements whose activities threaten national security, while strengthening coordination with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
Highlights of the War College visit included tours of sectors within the Division’s Areas of Responsibility, a visit to the National War Museum, wargaming exercises and presentations on the operational achievements and challenges of Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA.
The engagements provided the participants with practical insights into the operational environment, lessons learned and the complexities of countering asymmetric threats in the South East, while also highlighting ongoing peace-building efforts aimed at consolidating stability in the region.
