The Nigerian Army has pledged to escalate its efforts in combating terrorism and insurgency in Imo state, ensuring the safety and freedom of lawful activities for the residents in the area.

During the transition of leadership from Brigadier-General Sani Suleiman to Brigadier-General Usman Lawal as the new Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, the commitment to put an end to the activities of non-state actors was reiterated.

These activities not only disrupted the region’s economy but also resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives.

Brigadier-General Lawal expressed appreciation for the successes achieved by his predecessor during his tenure and vowed to build upon those achievements.

He emphasised the need for discipline among the officers and soldiers, promising to implement a reward system to motivate hard work.

In his farewell message, Brigadier-General Sani Suleiman highlighted that “the army had effectively curtailed the activities of criminal elements that once terrorized the state.”

He expressed optimism that the state would soon overcome its security challenges entirely, attributing some of the issues to oil bunkering, illegal refineries, and secessionist movements.

He noted, however, that the brigade had succeeded in significantly reducing these challenges.

Brigadier-General Suleiman commended the Nigerian army’s leadership for their support and encouraged the Brigade’s personnel to persist in their fight against insurgency, acknowledging its difficulty.

During the ceremony, Brigadier-General Suleiman inaugurated a remodeled office block for the Commander and other senior officers, as well as a new conference room, which were executed during his tenure.